Investigation into Sexual Assault Allegation Against Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee, Pete Hegseth, Confirmed

Officials in California have confirmed that Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s selection for US Defence Secretary, was the subject of an investigation concerning a sexual assault allegation in 2017. Hegseth was not arrested or charged in connection with the matter and maintains his innocence. His lawyer stated to CBS News, which is the BBC’s partner in the US, that “These allegations were fully investigated and Mr. Hegseth was cleared.” The lawyer further added, “This should not have any impact on the confirmation process.” Hegseth, known as a Fox News host and a veteran who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, was considered an unexpected nominee for the prominent defense position due to his limited management background. On Thursday evening, city officials in Monterey, California, issued a statement indicating they had investigated an alleged sexual assault that occurred at a hotel in the coastal city during October 2017. The statement provided minimal specifics, beyond mentioning a report of alleged sexual assault that was filed four days subsequent to the incident’s alleged occurrence at the hotel. The police report indicated the absence of weapons or property involvement and noted that the complainant sustained “contusions to right thigh”. Officials declared, “The City of Monterey will not be making any other remarks related to this inquiry.” Vanity Fair magazine was the first to report on the investigation. Hegseth, like other cabinet nominees by Trump, is scheduled for hearings and a confirmation vote within the Republican-controlled Senate. Trump spokesman Steven Cheung commented, “President Trump is nominating high-caliber and extremely qualified candidates to serve in his Administration.” He added, “Mr Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed.” Should the US Senate confirm him for the position, Hegseth would assume his duties at the Pentagon, where he would address matters including military assistance for Israel during its Gaza campaign and support for Ukraine amid Russia’s invasion. The US Defence Department operates with a budget approaching $900bn (£708bn) and encompasses 2.9 million civilian and military personnel globally. Identified as a conservative culture warrior, he has committed to transforming the military, yet his management experience has drawn scrutiny, even as his proponents contend that he would bring about change within the Pentagon. Hegseth, who is 44 years old, has expressed criticism regarding diversity programs and the deployment of women in military combat roles. During a recent podcast, he stated that any “general, admiral, whatever that was involved in any of the DEI [diversity, equity and inclusion] woke [expletive]” ought to be dismissed. He also asserted that women should not serve in combat positions, arguing that such involvement had not rendered the military “more effective” or “more lethal”. He remarked, “Over human history, men in those positions are more capable.” Hegseth, a member of the Minnesota National Guard, was prevented from serving as an officer in Washington DC during Joe Biden’s inauguration in 2021. In a book released earlier this year, he claimed he was denied that duty due to his tattoos, which include a Jerusalem Cross and another bearing the phrase “Deus Vult” – Latin for “God wills it”. Both the cross and the phrase were historically employed by Christian warriors during the Crusades. Researchers indicate that in contemporary times, these symbols have been adopted by right-wing Christians and Christian nationalists, as well as by extremist, neo-Nazi, and white supremacist organizations. Hegseth has disavowed any association with extremists. Hegseth is a father of seven children, among them a daughter born in August 2017 to Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox producer with whom he was reportedly involved in an extramarital affair. He subsequently married Rauchet, making her his third wife. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding their approach to external linking is available.