Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee Faces Scrutiny Over Past Allegations and Controversial Views

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Iraq War veteran, is under fire for sexual assault allegations, his mother’s past accusations, and his stance on women in combat roles.

An email from 2018, written by Pete Hegseth’s mother and recently published, accused him of mistreating women, though she later apologized and disavowed the claims.
Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary, faces a 2017 sexual assault allegation, which he denies, stating the encounter was consensual and settled via a nondisclosure agreement.
Critics argue Hegseth lacks qualifications to lead the Department of Defense, citing his limited military leadership experience and controversial positions on diversity and inclusion in the armed forces.
Hegseth has publicly opposed women serving in combat roles, arguing it weakens military units, while also advocating for pardoning service members charged with war crimes.
The nomination faces potential challenges in the Senate, with some Republican lawmakers expressing concerns over the allegations and his suitability for the role.