WASHINGTON — President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense has sparked controversy following reports of a confidential settlement paid to a woman who accused Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017.
Settlement Over Assault Allegation
Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, confirmed that a payment was made to the accuser to avoid a potential lawsuit. According to Parlatore, the encounter was consensual, and the payment was a preemptive move to prevent professional damage to Hegseth’s career at Fox News.
“My position is that he was the victim of blackmail,” Parlatore said, describing the case as “successful extortion.” He declined to disclose the settlement amount.
The accusations stemmed from an alleged incident in Monterey, California, following Hegseth’s speech at a Republican women’s event. Police investigated the claim but filed no charges. A city statement noted that the accuser had bruises on their thigh but provided no further details due to privacy laws.
Memo Adds New Details
The Washington Post reported that Trump’s transition team recently received a memo detailing the assault allegations, written by a friend of the accuser. Neither the transition team nor Trump’s spokesperson has commented on the memo.
Personal History in the Spotlight
Hegseth’s personal life has also drawn scrutiny. At the time of the alleged incident, he was undergoing a divorce from his second wife, with whom he shares three children. The divorce followed Hegseth’s extramarital affair with a Fox News producer, who is now his wife. His first marriage also ended due to infidelity.
Trump Team Defends Hegseth
Despite the allegations, Trump’s team has expressed confidence in Hegseth’s qualifications. Steven Cheung, a spokesman for the transition, stated:
“Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed. 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.”
Confirmation Challenges
The sexual assault allegations and Hegseth’s complex personal history may complicate his Senate confirmation process. While Hegseth’s defenders emphasize his military and leadership credentials, critics argue that the unresolved nature of the accusations raises ethical and moral concerns for someone set to lead the nation’s defense.
COMMENTS