Summary
Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, faces scrutiny over a 2017 sexual assault allegation.
A complaint to Trump’s transition team details an alleged incident at a California Republican conference, investigated by Monterey police but resulting in no charges. The accuser signed a nondisclosure agreement, and Hegseth’s lawyer denies wrongdoing.
The transition team is reportedly frustrated over inadequate vetting.
Trump has expressed support for Hegseth, despite concerns his confirmation could face resistance in the Senate, mirroring controversies surrounding other Trump appointees, including Matt Gaetz.
There’s also the possibility that it’s a tactic to make the people he actually wants in the positions seem reasonable by comparison