Attorney General and Defense Secretary Nominees Picked by Trump... Sexual Misconduct Allegations Spread

Hegseys Reported Sexual Assault 7 Years Ago, Underwent Police Investigation and Private Settlement
'Claims of Witnessing Gates' Sexual Relations with a Minor and Testifying to the House' Emerge

Allegations of sexual misconduct are spreading surrounding those nominated by President-elect Donald Trump for cabinet positions.

Reports have emerged that Pete Hegseth (44), nominated as Secretary of Defense and a Fox News host, was investigated for sexual assault in the past and reached a confidential settlement, reigniting suspicions about Matt Gaetz (42), the nominee for Attorney General, regarding allegations of soliciting sex from a minor.

Pete Hegseth, nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense (right). Photo by Yonhap News Agency

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 15th (local time) that it was revealed late that Hegseth was investigated by police in 2017 following a sexual assault report. According to the report, Hegseth had appeared as a speaker at a Republican women's group event, and five days after the event, a woman filed a complaint against him. However, the woman reached a confidential settlement with Hegseth, and the case was closed without prosecution after investigation. Aside from the complainant having a scrape on one thigh, no specific details have been confirmed.

Amid considerable public criticism that Hegseth is unqualified to lead the Department of Defense, concerns about Senate confirmation are growing as sexual scandal allegations arise.

Hegseth is actively denying the related allegations. Hegseth's attorney, Tim Pallatore, stated, "The police conducted a thorough investigation at the time, but it was concluded that the allegations were not true."

It is known that Hegseth was divorced twice due to extramarital affairs. He was sued for divorce by his first wife on grounds of infidelity, and reportedly sued by his second wife for having a child out of wedlock during their marriage.

However, President Trump appears not to have withdrawn his trust. Steven Cheung, spokesperson for the presidential campaign and nominee for White House Press Secretary, said, "Hegseth has dismissed all allegations against him, and no charges have actually been filed," adding, "We hope Hegseth can make America greater and safer through Senate confirmation and leading the Department of Defense."

Allegations of Matt Gaetz soliciting sex from a minor, who was nominated for Attorney General, are also resurfacing. Claims have been made that a witness saw Gaetz engaging in sexual acts with a minor and testified about this to the House Ethics Committee. Attorney Joel Lefferd told ABC News, "My client testified before the House Ethics Committee that he witnessed Gaetz having sex with a minor," and urged the release of the House Ethics Committee's report on Gaetz, stating, "Democracy demands transparency."

Gaetz was investigated by the House Ethics Committee regarding allegations of soliciting sex from a 17-year-old female. However, the disclosure of the Ethics Committee's report on the matter remains uncertain.