Trump's pick to lead Defense Department was accused of sexual assault in 2017
Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host who is Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Defense, was accused of sexual assault in 2017 after a speaking appearance at a Republican women’s event in Monterey, California
By BRIAN SLODYSKO, MARTHA MENDOZA and ERIC TUCKER
Published - Nov 15, 2024, 11:39 AM ET
Last Updated - Dec 16, 2024, 05:22 PM EST
WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, a popular Fox News host who is Donald Trump's nominee to lead the Department of Defense, was accused of sexual assault in 2017 after a speaking appearance at a Republican women's event in Monterey, California, according to a statement released by the city. No charges were filed in the case.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told The Associated Press the allegations were “completely false.”
“This was investigated by the police at the time and they found no evidence,” Parlatore said.
Monterey City officials declined to release a police report that documented the accusations and instead issued a brief statement Thursday night in response to press inquiries.
