Trump's Defense Nominee Hegseth Paid $50,000 to 'Jane Doe' in 2017 Sexual Assault Settlement

Jan 23, 2025, 11:18 PM

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary, disclosed during his confirmation process that he paid $50,000 in 2017 to settle a sexual assault accusation made by a woman referred to as "Jane Doe." The settlement included a nondisclosure agreement. The payment was revealed in answers provided to Senator Elizabeth Warren and obtained by the Associated Press and CNN. Hegseth maintains that the encounter was consensual and denies any wrongdoing, stating at his committee hearing that he was "falsely accused." His attorney explained that settling was more cost-effective than contesting the allegations in court. The disclosure has prompted calls for further scrutiny before his final confirmation vote scheduled on Friday.