Trump's defence pick faces scrutiny over assault settlement
Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth, paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault as part of a settlement with a confidentiality clause, his solicitor reported. CNN covers the story.
According to CNN, Hegseth's solicitor, Timothy Parlatore, stated that the politician denies the assault allegations and describes the October 2017 incident in Monterey, California, as a "consensual sexual encounter."
City officials in Monterey, cited by the network, confirmed that local police investigated the "alleged sexual assault" involving Hegseth. The city refused to disclose information about the victim and did not release the full police report, citing state public information disclosure laws.
Hegseth has not been charged in any criminal case or named as a defendant in any civil lawsuit in connection with the incident.
Parlatore noted that in 2020, Hegseth learned that the woman was considering filing a lawsuit. He added that Hegseth decided to settle, fearing the loss of his job at Fox News if the accusation became public during the "Me Too" movement. The solicitor did not disclose the amount paid to the woman.
CNN spoke briefly with the alleged victim on Thursday. She became visibly distraught at the mention of Hegseth’s name but declined to be interviewed without first contacting her attorney. She said she did not know what she was authorized to say.
The alleged assault occurred in the early morning hours of 8 October 2017, at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa. Hegseth was a speaker at a conference organised by the California Federation of Republican Women.
The statement from Monterey City added that there were no weapons involved, but there were injuries – "contusions to right thigh" – without providing additional details.
Pete Hegseth chosen by Trump
Donald Trump selected Hegseth as Secretary of Defence despite his lack of high-level military experience or holding public office, surprising both Pentagon officials and the former president's allies.
The new White House Communications Director appointed by Trump, Steven Cheung, defends Hegseth. In a statement to CNN, he said that he "has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed."
- We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense so he can get started on Day One to Make America Safe and Great Again - Cheung concluded.
