Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defense and a former Fox News weekend co-host, reportedly admitted to paying $50,000 to settle a sexual assault allegation made by a woman who accused him of rape at a GOP event in 2017.
The Associated Press reported on Thursday that Hegseth disclosed the payment in written responses to questions from U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). While Hegseth acknowledged the settlement amount, his attorney, Timothy Parlatore, declined to confirm the figure when approached by the AP.
The allegations stem from a police report obtained by NPR, in which the woman claimed that Hegseth prevented her from leaving his hotel room and said she “remembered saying ‘no’ a lot.” Despite the accusations, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni stated that Hegseth was not prosecuted because “[n]o charges were supported by proof beyond a reasonable doubt.”
Hegseth has consistently denied the allegations, describing them to senators as an “anonymous smear.” It is noteworthy that his testimony regarding the allegations was not given under oath. The revelation comes amid Hegseth’s nomination for a high-profile position in Trump’s cabinet, raising questions about his suitability for the role.
Critics, including Senator Warren, have focused on the transparency and accountability of the nomination process. This incident is the latest controversy surrounding Hegseth, who has faced scrutiny for his polarizing rhetoric and past statements as a Fox News personality. The payment disclosure adds to the growing list of issues complicating his path to confirmation.
As Trump’s pick for secretary of defense, Hegseth’s nomination carries significant weight, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about accountability in positions of power. While the payment settlement does not constitute legal guilt, it has cast a shadow over his candidacy and reignited debates about the vetting of high-level nominees.
Hegseth’s denial of the allegations and the lack of criminal charges may provide some defense, but the acknowledgment of a financial settlement underscores the seriousness of the claims and their potential impact on his confirmation process.