A police report from 2017 has surfaced, outlining sexual assault allegations against Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary. The allegations were investigated by the Monterey Police Department but did not result in charges or arrests.
Key Details from the Police Report
The report, spanning 22 pages, reveals the alleged incident occurred during a Republican conference in California. According to the report:
A woman accused Hegseth of taking her phone and blocking the door to a hotel room.
The woman, whose name remains undisclosed, claimed she was drugged and could not recall much of the night.
A hotel staffer and a nurse corroborated parts of the woman’s account, including disturbances near the hotel pool.
Hegseth denies the allegations, maintaining the encounter was consensual.
Timeline of Events
The Meeting: Hegseth and the woman met at the conference, where he was a featured speaker.
At the Bar: The woman claimed she accompanied Hegseth to a hotel bar, where "things got fuzzy."
The Altercation: Witnesses reported an argument between the two near the hotel pool.
The Hotel Room: The woman alleged that Hegseth blocked the door and later hovered over her while she was lying on a couch or bed.
The report states that police were first notified of the alleged assault by an emergency room nurse who treated the woman after the incident.
Trump Administration’s Response
Despite the allegations, President-elect Trump has stood by his nominee.
Trump described Hegseth as a “highly respected combat veteran.”
Trump’s spokesperson, Karoline Leavitt, stated the investigation “found the allegations to be false.”
Legal Outcome and Public Scrutiny
The Monterey Police Department forwarded the case to the county’s district attorney, but no charges were filed.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, acknowledged a settlement was reached with the woman to prevent further legal action.
The agreement reportedly ensured the woman would not pursue a lawsuit, according to Parlatore.
Hegseth, a 44-year-old veteran, faces heightened scrutiny as he awaits Senate confirmation for the position of defense secretary.
What’s Next?
With the Senate poised to deliberate Hegseth’s confirmation, the allegations have sparked debates over his fitness to oversee the world’s most powerful military. Critics argue the unresolved nature of the claims raises concerns, while supporters emphasize his military record and prior service. The case underscores the challenges public figures face when personal allegations intersect with high-profile political appointments.
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