Pete Hegseth Discloses USD 50,000 Payment to Woman Who Accused Him of Sexual Assault in 2017

Updated: Friday, January 24, 2025, 3:39 [IST]

President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, reportedly paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017. This information was revealed in his responses to questions from Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren during his confirmation process. The Associated Press obtained these answers, shedding light on the case.

Hegseth Paid USD 50,000 in Assault Case — Representative image

Hegseth's attorney, Timothy Parlatore, chose not to comment on the payment amount. Hegseth maintained that the encounter was consensual and denied any wrongdoing. During his confirmation hearing last week, he stated he was "falsely accused" and had been completely exonerated regarding the 2017 incident.

Senate Vote and Allegations

The Senate advanced Hegseth's nomination with a party-line vote on the same day the payment details emerged. However, two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, opposed his nomination. Hegseth has also faced accusations of excessive drinking and being abusive towards his second wife, which he denies.

The most serious allegation came from a woman who claimed Hegseth sexually assaulted her in a California hotel room in 2017. She alleged that he took her phone, blocked the door, and prevented her from leaving. An investigative report released in November detailed these claims but did not conclude that the allegations were false.

Legal Proceedings and Outcomes

The police recommended forwarding the case report to the Monterey County District Attorney's Office for further review. However, Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni stated that her office declined to file charges in January 2018 due to insufficient evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

Despite these serious allegations, Hegseth continues to assert his innocence. The controversy surrounding his nomination highlights divisions within the Senate and raises questions about the vetting process for high-level government positions.