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| Pete Hegseth attends a hearing on Trump's confirmation of his nomination to be Secretary of Defense before the Senate Armed Services Committee in the US Capitol, US, January 14, 2025 | Photo: AP |
Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, has disclosed that he paid $50,000 to settle a sexual assault allegation in 2017. The admission was made in a written response to Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren as part of the Senate's confirmation process for his nomination.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of Hegseth's written response, in which he confirmed the payment to the woman who accused him of sexually assaulting her in a California hotel room in 2017. The accuser alleged that Hegseth took her cell phone, locked her in her hotel room, and prevented her from leaving.
Hegseth has denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual. His lawyer, Timothy Parlato, declined to comment on the payment, though he previously acknowledged the financial settlement in November, calling it a "consensual financial transaction."
During his Senate Armed Services Committee hearing last week, Hegseth defended himself, stating he was "completely innocent" of the accusations. The Senate is expected to vote on his confirmation Friday, despite growing concerns about his fitness for the role.
Democratic senators and at least two Republican senators have voiced reservations over Hegseth's nomination. Beyond the sexual assault allegations, he faces accusations of workplace misconduct, including sexual harassment, excessive drinking, and abuse of his second wife.
Hegseth has consistently denied all allegations, asserting he would abstain from drugs and alcohol if confirmed as Secretary of Defense.
President Trump nominated Hegseth for the position shortly after the 2024 presidential election. While the confirmation process is nearing its conclusion, blocking the appointment would require four Republican senators to break ranks and vote against the nominee.
It remains to be seen if these allegations and disclosures will influence the final vote.