Pete Hegseth, who has been nominated by Donald Trump as the secretary of defense, was part of a police investigation in 2017 regarding an alleged sexual assault, as confirmed by local officials in Monterey, California. The incident reportedly occurred at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa in the early morning hours of October 8, 2017, during a conference held by the California Federation of Republican Women, where Hegseth was a speaker.
Although the city’s statement did not explicitly name Hegseth as the alleged assailant, it mentioned that he was involved in the investigation. The victim’s identity and age were kept confidential, and the statement noted that there were injuries, specifically “contusions to right thigh,” with no further details provided. The full police report was not released, citing state public records law.
Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, responded to the statement by stating that while an allegation was made, no charges were filed after a thorough investigation. Trump’s communication director, Steven Cheung, defended Hegseth, stating that he denied all accusations and no charges were brought against him. The transition team also discussed the allegation with Hegseth, who reportedly claimed that the investigation stemmed from a consensual sexual encounter.
Despite the controversy surrounding the investigation, Hegseth has not faced any criminal charges or civil lawsuits in Monterey County since 2017. Trump’s nomination of Hegseth for secretary of defense took many by surprise, as he lacks senior military or public office experience. Hegseth currently co-hosts the “Fox & Friends Weekend” show and has been involved in various nonprofits.
Hegseth’s previous comments criticizing military leadership for promoting diversity and opposing women serving in combat have sparked controversy. In a past interview, he expressed his belief that women should not be in combat roles, stating that they are “life-givers, not life-takers.”
As the investigation into the alleged sexual assault involving Pete Hegseth continues to unfold, the public awaits further developments and any potential impact on his nomination as the secretary of defense. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
