WASHINGTON, DC, USA – Former Fox News host Pete Hegseth, tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to lead the Department of Defense, is facing renewed scrutiny following reports of a 2017 sexual assault allegation.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, confirmed on Sunday, November 17, 2024, that his client paid an undisclosed sum to a woman who accused him of assault, as part of a confidential settlement in 2023, while maintaining his innocence.
“This is a situation where a consensual encounter occurred,” Parlatore said in a statement, adding that the woman’s claim was “a lie to explain why the woman had not come back to her husband’s room that night.”
The Allegations
The allegations stem from an encounter at a 2017 California Federation of Republican Women conference in Monterey, California.
According to a memo obtained by The Washington Post, the accuser claimed she had no memory of the events until she found herself in Hegseth’s hotel room and later stumbled to her own room.
The memo, reportedly sent to Trump’s transition team, described her presence at the conference with her husband and children.
Parlatore disputed the memo’s contents, stating that police investigations and video evidence cleared Hegseth of wrongdoing.
He characterised the accuser as “the aggressor” and accused her of seeking financial gain. Authorities in Monterey investigated the case in 2017 but did not pursue criminal charges.
Settlement Details
Parlatore confirmed that Hegseth entered into a confidential civil settlement in 2023 to resolve the matter.
While details of the settlement remain undisclosed, Parlatore insisted that Hegseth’s decision to settle was not an admission of guilt.
“This is a baseless accusation aimed at squeezing Mr. Hegseth for money,” Parlatore said.
Confirmation Challenges Ahead
The allegations could pose a significant obstacle for Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary, a process requiring Senate approval.
Republicans have so far expressed mixed reactions, with some lawmakers defending Hegseth while acknowledging the need for a thorough review.
Senator Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), speaking on NBC’s Meet the Press on Sunday, called Hegseth a “good pick” but cautioned that the Senate must deliberate carefully.
“As allegations come out, we’ll figure out… if he can get confirmed or not,” Mullin said.
Hegseth’s confirmation process comes at a critical time, with Trump’s incoming administration facing challenges in assembling its Cabinet amid political divides in Washington.
Hegseth’s Background
A prominent conservative media personality, Hegseth has been a staunch supporter of Trump and has used his platform to advocate for the president’s policies.
His nomination signals Trump’s intent to appoint loyalists to key positions in his administration.
Hegseth, who has no prior experience in the Department of Defense, has faced criticism from military experts questioning his qualifications for the role.
His nomination has nonetheless been welcomed by some Republican lawmakers who view him as an effective communicator and advocate for Trump’s agenda.
