Fox News contributor Leslie Marshall made a powerful statement during a segment on Sunday, revealing her belief that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for defense secretary, is a rapist. Marshall’s remarks came amid renewed scrutiny of Hegseth following allegations of sexual misconduct.
Host Howard Kurtz opened the discussion by referencing a 2017 accusation against Hegseth, noting, “A woman went to the police, and a rape kit confirmed the sexual encounter.” Marshall, visibly uncomfortable, admitted she struggled with addressing the topic. “I dreaded talking about this today,” she said. “I met Pete a long time ago.”
She highlighted past instances of adultery involving Hegseth, emphasizing their relevance due to military regulations. “We know that there were three cases of adultery for Pete Hegseth, and it is relevant,” Marshall stated. “The reason why it’s relevant is Article 134 of the UCMJ considers adultery against the military, which the Department of Defense is part of. You can’t lead an entire organization and all these people if you can’t lead by example.”
As a rape survivor herself, Marshall underscored the gravity of the allegations. “It’s very difficult for a woman to go in and have a rape kit done,” she explained. “Somebody doesn’t go into the hospital and subject yourself to that. And I have to say, as a woman and as a victim, I believe the victims.”
Marshall didn’t stop at the sexual misconduct allegations. She also questioned Hegseth’s qualifications for the role. “This is a problem for me, the sexual impropriety,” she stated. “And [Hegseth] did not have the leadership career in the military that I feel the Department of Defense requires as their head.”
Marshall’s comments reflect growing concerns over Hegseth’s fitness for the defense secretary position, with critics pointing to both the allegations and his professional background as barriers to his nomination. Supporters of Hegseth have yet to provide a substantive response to the claims, but the controversy has raised significant questions about the vetting process for Trump’s nominees.
As Hegseth’s nomination moves forward, the allegations against him—and the broader conversation about accountability in leadership—are likely to remain in the spotlight. Marshall’s remarks underline the personal and professional stakes involved in appointing the nation’s top defense official.