Key Takeaways:
– Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s candidate for the Department of Defense, was involved in a sexual assault investigation in 2017 in Monterey.
– The city disclosed the existence of a police report related to the case, but no details of the investigation were given.
– Hegseth’s team vehemently denies the allegations and asserts that no charges were filed.
– Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, has faced criticism for his lack of senior military or government experience.
Monterey Investigation into Alleged Sexual Assault
Following media inquiries, the city of Monterey disclosed that in 2017, Pete Hegseth, Fox News personality and President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for the Department of Defense, faced investigation concerning allegations of sexual assault. Details provided by the city refer to an incident that supposedly took place on Old Golf Course Road in October of the same year.
From the city’s statement, the incident allegedly happened between midnight and 7 a.m. on Oct. 8. The matter was subsequently reported on Oct. 12 in the afternoon. The accuser’s identity was not revealed in the report and the findings of the police inquiry remained undisclosed as California’s public records laws exempt such investigations.
Victim’s Reported Injury, No Weapons Involved
The city’s statement indicates that the victim claimed to have suffered a contusion on their right thigh. The disclosure also clarified that there were no allegations of weapons being involved. Beyond this, the city did not provide further information on the investigation.
Subheading: Denial and Defense from Hegseth’s Team
Upon learning about the allegation, Steven Cheung, Trump’s communications officer, spoke to Vanity Fair, ensuring that Hegseth robustly denied all accusations, further noting that no charges were filed. Timothy Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, reiterated the same stance and mentioned that the Monterey police department already investigated the issue, finding no evidence.
Hegseth’s Credentials and Service
Pete Hegseth, 44, is an Army National Guard officer and was a co-host of the “Fox & Friends” weekend edition on Fox News since 2017. Graduating from Princeton University and holding a graduate degree from Harvard University, Hegseth began his media journey as a contributor for the network in 2014. Acknowledging his military service, Hegseth has earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge. Apart from being a bestselling author for Fox News Books, his insights about the military have resonated with viewers, contributing to the show’s success.
Veteran and Defense Experts’ Misgivings
Nominating a TV host with no senior military or government experience to oversee the nation’s defense has incited disbelief among some veterans and defense experts. Hegseth has stirred controversy by openly advocating for the removal of top officials who support diversity and inclusion programs in the military. He has also questioned the appropriateness of having women serve in combat roles.
In summary, the investigation and the allegations surrounding Hegseth will continue to be a topic of interest as the nominee awaits the Senate’s confirmation hearings.