Trump’s defense secretary nominee paid accuser but denies sexual assault, attorney says

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing scrutiny over an alleged sexual assault incident involving a woman he paid off in a settlement. The payment, which included a confidentiality agreement, was revealed by Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore. The lawyer emphasized that Hegseth denies the accusations, describing the October 2017 encounter in Monterey, California, as a “consensual sexual encounter.”

The incident was investigated by Monterey city police, who confirmed that they looked into an “alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth, but they declined to provide details on the victim or release the full police report, citing state public records laws. No criminal charges have been filed against Hegseth, nor has he been named in any civil lawsuits related to the incident.

In 2020, Hegseth learned that the woman involved was considering filing a lawsuit against him. According to Parlatore, the settlement was reached to avoid public fallout, especially given the heightened sensitivity around sexual assault allegations during the “Me Too” movement. The payment was reportedly a “significantly reduced amount,” though the exact sum has not been disclosed. Hegseth’s attorney added that the settlement was made partly to protect his client’s career, as the former military officer and Fox News host feared the public nature of the allegations could cost him his job.

Parlatore also stated that Hegseth believed he was the victim of blackmail in this situation. The woman, whose identity has not been disclosed due to her status as an alleged sexual assault victim, was briefly interviewed by CNN. She became visibly upset when asked about Hegseth but declined to speak further without consulting her attorney. She did not respond to follow-up requests for an interview.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred in the early hours of October 8, 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa, where Hegseth had been attending a conference hosted by the California Federation of Republican Women. The incident was reported four days later, but the police have provided limited information on the specifics. While no weapons were involved, the woman allegedly sustained injuries, including contusions to her right thigh, although further details were not made public.

Hegseth has not been charged in relation to the incident, and the police investigation did not lead to criminal proceedings. In a statement to CNN, Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, defended Hegseth, emphasizing that he had “vigorously denied any and all accusations” and that no formal charges had been filed. He added, “We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense so he can get started on Day One to Make America Safe and Great Again.”

The timing of the allegations has raised eyebrows, as they surfaced shortly after Trump’s nomination of Hegseth to the position of Secretary of Defense. Despite having no senior military or public office experience, Hegseth’s nomination caught many in the Pentagon and Trump’s inner circle by surprise. The news of the sexual assault allegations added an unexpected layer of controversy to the nomination, which has already drawn attention due to Hegseth’s limited qualifications for the role.

The disclosure of the settlement and confidentiality clause has complicated Hegseth’s confirmation process, with some critics questioning his suitability for the high-profile government post. Hegseth’s legal team has made it clear that he intends to fight the allegations and has expressed confidence that he will be cleared of any wrongdoing.

As the nomination process moves forward, it remains to be seen how the revelation of this settlement will impact Hegseth’s chances of securing confirmation. The controversy surrounding the allegations is likely to be a focal point in the Senate confirmation hearings, where questions about Hegseth’s conduct and past actions are expected to be raised.

While the situation continues to unfold, it highlights the challenges that public figures face when dealing with serious allegations, even when those accusations have not led to formal charges. The story has also drawn attention to the ongoing conversations around accountability, transparency, and the #MeToo movement, which has significantly changed the landscape for individuals facing accusations of sexual misconduct.