Trump defense accuses Hegseth of sexual assault in 2017

No criminal charges have been filed in the case, but shocked Trump transition team officials are still reportedly discussing next steps for the Fox News host, whose nomination surprised many in Washington.

President-elect Trump on Tuesday nominated the 44-year-old National Guard veteran to lead the world’s most powerful military, even though he has never led a major organization.

Police in Monterey, California, confirmed on Thursday that they were investigating an “alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth at a hotel in early October 2017, which included bruising on the victim’s right thigh.

News of the woman’s accusations caught the Trump team off guard, according to Vanity Fair, which first reported the story.

Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told the publication that the allegation “has already been investigated by the Monterey Police Department and has found no evidence of this.”

And Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, said Hegseth “vehemently denies all allegations and no criminal charges have been filed.”

“We look forward to his confirmation as U.S. Secretary of Defense so he can begin on Day One to Make America Safe and Great Again,” Cheung said.

Hegseth’s Senate hearing will likely be one of the most fraught, not only because of his lack of experience but also because of other controversies during Trump’s first term, such as his lobbying to pardon soldiers accused of war crimes.

Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014 and currently co-hosts “Fox and Friends Weekend” and hosts “Fox Nation.”

He also served in Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry officer in the National Guard.

The accusations against Hegseth stunned many after his long involvement in sexual harassment allegations by far-right former congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump’s pick for attorney general.

And Trump himself was found guilty of financial misconduct for concealing payments to a former porn star and found liable for slandering and sexually harassing a writer.

Hegseth was married three times and divorced his first wife in 2009 after “irreparable breakdown” and “infidelity,” according to the Washington Post.

His second wife filed for divorce in September 2017, a month after having a baby with the Fox News producer he later married, according to US media.

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