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Fox News host Pete Hegseth, recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for the position of Defense Department secretary, is under scrutiny due to a 2017 investigation into an alleged sexual assault at a hotel in California. The Monterey Police Department conducted this investigation but ultimately did not bring any charges against Hegseth.
The inquiry followed an alleged incident reported to have occurred at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa during a National Federation of Republican Women convention. According to a statement from the city of Monterey, authorities looked into claims of assault which included reports of “contusions to right thigh,” although specifics about the alleged victim were not disclosed.
Monterey city officials indicated that the comprehensive police report regarding this alleged event remains confidential. Vanity Fair was the first to cover this story, highlighting the ongoing concerns related to such accusations against public figures.
In response to the allegations, Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, emphasized that the police department confirmed the investigation had been thorough and concluded with Hegseth being cleared of any wrongdoing. Parlatore argued that these types of accusations can unjustly target public figures, asserting that Hegseth cooperated fully throughout the inquiry.
Further Reactions and Context
Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, reiterated Hegseth’s denial of the accusations, stating, “Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed.” Cheung also expressed confidence in Hegseth’s forthcoming confirmation as Secretary of Defense, aligning with Trump’s broader agenda for national security.
Hegseth has a military background, having served as an infantry officer in the Army National Guard from 2002 until 2021, with deployments to conflict zones including Afghanistan and Iraq. His personal life reflects significant changes over the last few years; he finalized a divorce from his second wife in 2017 while also welcoming a daughter with Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, later marrying her in 2019.
The announcement of Hegseth’s nomination caught some Republican senators off guard. Senator Bill Cassidy from Louisiana expressed unfamiliarity with Hegseth, stating, “Who? I don’t know Pete. I just don’t know anything about him.”
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