[Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, will face a Senate panel on Tuesday for his confirmation hearing. The hearing is expected to focus on allegations ranging from sexual assault to excessive drinking in the workplace.
Hegseth, a decorated combat veteran, has been accused by a woman of sexual assaulting her in 2017 following a speaking engagement in California. According to a police report, the woman said Hegseth physically blocked her from leaving a hotel room, took her phone, and then sexually assaulted her despite her repeated objections. Hegseth denies the allegations, claiming that the encounter was consensual and that he made sure the woman was comfortable with what was happening.
In addition to the sexual assault allegations, Hegseth has also been accused of mismanaging funds at the nonprofit organization Vets for Freedom, including making inappropriate expenses such as throwing “trysts” at parties. He has also been criticized for his comments on the policies of the military, including his opposition to allowing women to serve in combat roles. He has suggested that the military is lowering its standards to allow women into these positions, and has specifically taken issue with women in jobs such as the Navy SEALs, Army Rangers, and infantry units.
Hegseth has denied all of these allegations, and has made repeated trips to Capitol Hill to shore up support since his nomination in November. He has also been a contributor to Fox News and co-host of the weekend show “Fox & Friends.” His confirmation hearing is expected to be a highly contentious and public event.
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