Trump's defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces 2017 sexual assault allegations
Pete Hegseth, nominated by Donald Trump for Defense Secretary, has been accused of sexual assault from a 2017 incident. Although no charges were filed, the allegations have surprised Trump’s transition team as they consider next steps. The Monterey police confirmed they investigated the claim, which involved bruising on the victim. Hegseth's lawyer stated that the police found no evidence of the assault, and Hegseth has denied the accusations. Hegseth's nomination is controversial due to his lack of experience and past lobbying for pardons for service members accused of war crimes. His Senate confirmation hearing is expected to be contentious.