The Trader Harbor
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks
  • Business
  • Politics
  • World News
  • Stocks

The Trader Harbor

Politics

Pete Hegseth may release sexual assault accuser from confidentiality agreement, setting up public showdown

by admin December 18, 2024
December 18, 2024
Pete Hegseth may release sexual assault accuser from confidentiality agreement, setting up public showdown

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s Defense secretary nominee ensnared in sexual assault allegations, plans to release his accuser from the confidentiality agreement he had her sign, according to Sen. Lindsey Graham.

Graham, R-S.C., told NBC’s ‘Meet the Press’ that Hegseth ‘told me he would release her from that agreement,’ adding, ‘I’d want to know if anybody nominated for a high-level job in Washington legitimately assaulted somebody.’

Graham has said he will not take allegations from an anonymous source into consideration for Hegseth’s confirmation. 

Allowing Hegseth’s accuser to come forward publicly might lead to a spectacle similar to the confirmation process for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, during which his accuser, Christine Ford, was called to testify in the Senate about her accusations.  

‘The Pete Hegseth I know, this is not a problem I’ve been aware of,’ Graham said.

‘However, if people have an allegation to make, come forward and make it like they did in Kavanaugh,’ he added, referring to Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. ‘We’ll decide whether or not it’s credible.’

A woman alleges that in 2017, she was sexually assaulted by Hegseth in a hotel room in Monterey, California.

Hegseth was not charged in the incident and insists the interaction was consensual, and the charge stemmed from a woman who regretted cheating on her husband.

Police recommended the case report be forwarded to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review, but no charges were filed. 

At the time of the alleged assault, Hegseth, 44, was going through a divorce from his second wife, with whom he shares three children. She filed for divorce after he had a child with another woman, according to court records and social media posts.

A payment was made to the woman, according to Hegseth’s attorney, as part of a confidentiality agreement because Hegseth feared the woman was preparing to file a lawsuit that could have cost him his job as a co-host on ‘Fox & Friends.’ 

Earlier this month, Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, told CNN they had considered suing the woman for civil extortion before settling with a confidentiality agreement. 

It is not yet clear whether the allegations may stand in the way of Hegseth’s confirmation. Republicans will have a 53-47 majority in the next Senate, and there is only room for Trump nominees to lose a few GOP votes, assuming no Democrats choose to back them. 

Hegseth does not appear to have lost any Republicans in the upper chamber at this point, including more moderate lawmakers such as Republican Sens. Susan Collins of Maine, and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska. 

Hegseth met with both of them last week on Capitol Hill. According to Collins, ‘I had a good, substantive discussion that lasted more than an hour.’

‘We covered a wide range of topics ranging from defense procurement reforms to the role of women in the military, sexual assault in the military. Ukraine, NATO, a wide range of issues. I obviously always wait until we have an FBI background check and one is underway in the case of Mr. Hegseth, and I wait to see the committee hearing before reaching a final decision.’

Trump’s Defense secretary choice has also met twice with Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa. After their first meeting earlier this month, Ernst admitted on Fox News that she was not sold on Hegseth yet. However, after their second meeting this week, she released a statement, saying, ‘As I support Pete through this process, I look forward to a fair hearing based on truth, not anonymous sources.’

Fox News’ Julia Johnson and Tyler Olson contributed to this report. 

This post appeared first on FOX NEWS

0
FacebookTwitterGoogle +Pinterest
previous post
Congress unveils bill to avert Friday government shutdown with over $100B in disaster aid
next post
‘There’s always consequences’: GOP rebels plot mutiny against Johnson over government shutdown drama

Related Posts

Trump’s Energy Department is taking back our home...

June 16, 2025

One week in against Trump, Harris touts ‘record-breaking’...

July 28, 2024

RNC chair on GOP’s mission going forward: ‘Make...

January 17, 2025

Fox News reporter asks White House who gets...

July 10, 2024

Trump warns US approaching ‘World War III territory’...

September 5, 2024

Biden vows Secret Service will provide Trump with...

July 15, 2024

Trump pick Emil Bove confirmed as federal judge...

July 30, 2025

‘Fully justified’: Graham plows ahead with Trump border...

June 13, 2025

Lindsey Graham tells UN International Court of Justice...

May 25, 2024

Federal judge skeptical of effort to block Musk’s...

February 18, 2025

    Stay updated with the latest news, exclusive offers, and special promotions. Sign up now and be the first to know! As a member, you'll receive curated content, insider tips, and invitations to exclusive events. Don't miss out on being part of something special.


    By opting in you agree to receive emails from us and our affiliates. Your information is secure and your privacy is protected.

    Latest

    • Ben & Jerry’s co-founder resigns, claiming parent company Unilever ‘silenced’ its campaigning

      October 2, 2025
    • YouTube to pay $24 million to settle Trump lawsuit

      October 2, 2025
    • The Real Drivers of This Market: AI, Semis & Robotics

      October 2, 2025
    • S&P 500 Breaking Out Again: What This Means for Your Portfolio

      October 2, 2025
    • White House memo says Democrats’ plan could spend $200B on healthcare for illegal immigrants

      October 2, 2025
    • TREY YINGST: Hamas must accept Trump peace plan to end war once and for all

      October 2, 2025

    Categories

    • Business (1,407)
    • Politics (4,634)
    • Stocks (1,683)
    • Uncategorized (45)
    • World News (1,400)
    • About us
    • Contact us
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms & Conditions

    Disclaimer: TheTraderHarbor, its managers, its employees, and assigns (collectively “The Company”) do not make any guarantee or warranty about what is advertised above. Information provided by this website is for research purposes only and should not be considered as personalized financial advice. The Company is not affiliated with, nor does it receive compensation from, any specific security. The Company is not registered or licensed by any governing body in any jurisdiction to give investing advice or provide investment recommendation. Any investments recommended here should be taken into consideration only after consulting with your investment advisor and after reviewing the prospectus or financial statements of the company.

    Copyright © 2025 thetraderharbor.com | All Rights Reserved