Pete Hegseth, the nominee for secretary of defense chosen by former President Donald Trump, has been embroiled in a police investigation regarding an alleged sexual assault in 2017. The incident reportedly occurred at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in California during a conference where Hegseth was a speaker.
The Monterey Police Department confirmed that they investigated an alleged sexual assault that was reported four days after the incident on October 8, 2017. While the city's statement did not explicitly name Hegseth as the alleged assailant, it mentioned his involvement in the investigation. The victim's identity remains confidential, and the police report will not be released due to state public records law.
According to sources, Hegseth denied the accusations and no charges were filed against him. Trump's communications director defended Hegseth, emphasizing his qualifications for the role of secretary of defense. The transition team discussed the allegation with Hegseth, who reportedly claimed the encounter was consensual.
Despite the investigation, Hegseth has not faced any criminal charges or civil lawsuits in Monterey County since 2017. Trump's decision to nominate Hegseth for the defense secretary position surprised many due to his lack of senior military or public office experience. Hegseth's controversial views on military leadership and women in combat have also drawn criticism in the past.
As the situation unfolds, the outcome of the investigation remains unclear. Hegseth's legal representative stated that the Monterey Police Department found no evidence supporting the allegations. The controversy surrounding Hegseth's nomination raises questions about his suitability for the role and the potential impact on the Department of Defense if he is confirmed.
