Monterey police confirmed that they investigated Hegseth over an allegation of “alleged sexual assault” in 2017 and that the incident did not result in criminal charges. Pete Hegseth, president-elect Donald Trump's pick for defense secretary, has spoken about his views on women in the military and Trump's "Stop the Steal" rally. Trump communications director Steven Cheung said in a statement that Trump is standing by Hegseth. A Facebook post by a group called Fresno Republican Women shows Hegseth speaking to GOP women in Monterey on the day of the alleged incident. The president-elect himself has also been accused over the years of sexual harassment and assault — allegations he denies.

Source: Washington Post November 16, 2024 19:04 UTC