Pete Hegseth claims he was cleared of sexual assault allegation but police report suggests otherwise

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host nominated for U.S. defense secretary, claimed he was "completely cleared" of a 2017 sexual assault allegation. However, a police report indicates the case was recommended for further review by prosecutors, not cleared. The allegation involves an incident at a Republican women’s conference in Monterey, California. A woman reported waking up with a hazy memory after an encounter with Hegseth, who allegedly took her phone and blocked her from leaving a hotel room. Hegseth's nomination has faced scrutiny due to this allegation and his limited military leadership experience, having never risen above the rank of major in the Army.