Official statements or filings from the Monterey County District Attorney's office

Police Report Details Sexual Assault Allegation Against Trump's Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth in Monterey County

Nov 21, 2024, 12:24 PM

A police report detailing a sexual assault allegation against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, was released on Wednesday night. The report reveals that a woman, referred to as Jane Doe, accused Hegseth of sexually assaulting her in 2017 at a hotel room in Monterey County, California, after he took her phone, blocked the door, and refused to let her leave. The incident reportedly occurred after Hegseth gave a keynote speech at a political conference. Hegseth has denied the allegations, stating he did not coerce the woman. The report also mentions that the woman underwent a rape-kit exam at a local hospital, and the assault was first reported by a nurse. Additionally, two other women at the event claimed Hegseth placed a hand on their thighs and invited them to his hotel room. The police report does not conclude that the allegations were false.