Trump's Defense Nominee Hegseth Paid $50,000 to Settle 2017 Assault Claim Amid Senate Scrutiny

Jan 23, 2025, 10:40 PM

Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary and a former Fox News host, disclosed that he paid $50,000 to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017 as part of a non-disclosure agreement. Hegseth described the payment as a settlement for a 'nuisance claim' and maintained that the encounter in Monterey was consensual, denying any wrongdoing. The disclosure came in response to questions from Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren during Hegseth's confirmation process. Despite the allegations, the Senate advanced his nomination along party lines, though it faced opposition from two Republicans, Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, who voted against him citing concerns over his character and qualifications. The final confirmation vote is expected soon.