Trump considering DeSantis to replace Hegseth for defense secretary post, reports say
USA TodayNOV 25 2024
Trump's Defense Pick Faces Sexual Assault Allegations
Above: Pete Hegseth speaks to the media following a meeting with Republican Senators on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on Nov. 21, 2024. Image copyright: Al Drago/Contributor/Bloomberg via Getty Images
The Facts
According to a police report released late Wednesday, a woman reported to California police that Pete Hegseth, US Pres.-elect Donald Trump's defense secretary nominee, sexually assaulted her at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel following a Republican women's conference in October 2017.
The 22-page investigative report claims that the accuser told police that Hegseth, a former Fox News personality, took her phone, blocked her from leaving the hotel room, and assaulted her despite her saying "no" repeatedly.
Hotel surveillance footage appeared to show the accuser, identified as "Jane Doe," and Hegseth walking together with linked arms around 1:15 am. Additionally, a hotel employee reported witnessing an argument between the two by the pool around 1:30 am.
The Spin
Democratic narrative
This report should be taken seriously. There have been multiple witnesses who have corroborated concerns about Hegseth's behavior that evening and the victim showed clear signs of trauma. These allegations pull into question the validity of Trump's nomination for Hegseth as the next secretary of defense. He did not go through any of the normal channels of vetting before nomination, which shows the importance of investigating officials before giving them important positions.
Republican narrative
Coming on the heels of Hegseth's nomination, this is clearly an indirect — albeit, weak — attack on Trump. While the allegations are serious and must be scrutinized, the police investigation found no basis for criminal charges. Hegseth — who is presumed innocent until proven guilty — possesses all the qualities to make a strong secretary of defense, and this report is unlikely to damage his career prospects.
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