Pete Hegseth, former Fox News host and President Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Pentagon, is navigating a storm of controversy as he moves closer to Senate confirmation. Recent disclosures, including a $50,000 settlement paid to a woman alleging sexual assault, as well as scrutiny over past comments and workplace behavior, have cast a shadow over his nomination.
In written responses to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Hegseth confirmed he paid the settlement—an amount equivalent to NZ$88,000—under a confidentiality agreement with the woman who accused him of sexual assault. The revelation, first reported by CNN, has reignited debates about his fitness to lead the Department of Defense.
The 2017 incident occurred in Monterey, California, following a speaking engagement at a Republican women’s group conference. According to a police report obtained by CNN, the accuser alleged that Hegseth physically prevented her from leaving a hotel room, took her phone, and sexually assaulted her despite her repeated objections.
Hegseth has consistently denied the allegations, calling them a “nuisance claim.” His attorney, Tim Parlatore, reiterated this position in a statement on Thursday, describing the settlement as a practical decision to avoid costly litigation.
“As we said from the beginning, these were false claims that we settled for nuisance value, much less than it would have cost to defend,” Parlatore told CNN.
While Hegseth was never charged with a crime, the payment and confidentiality clause in the settlement have raised eyebrows among lawmakers, particularly Massachusetts Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren, who questioned him about the matter during his confirmation process.
Hegseth’s path to Senate confirmation is proving contentious. On Thursday, the Senate narrowly advanced his nomination with a 51-49 procedural vote. Two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Susan Collins of Maine, joined Democrats in opposing the nomination, citing concerns over his character and qualifications.
Murkowski expressed reservations about Hegseth’s ability to lead the military with integrity, given the serious nature of the allegations against him. “The leader of the Pentagon must exemplify the highest standards of ethics and accountability,” she said. “I’m not convinced Mr. Hegseth meets that bar.”
During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth faced tough questions about not only the sexual assault allegation but also other issues that have surfaced since his nomination. These include accusations of financial mismanagement at a nonprofit organization he once led, allegations of excessive drinking, and controversial remarks about women in the military.
Hegseth’s leadership at two nonprofit organizations has come under scrutiny. At one organization, former employees alleged he mismanaged funds. At another, staff members reported excessive drinking and inappropriate treatment of female colleagues.
The New Yorker reported that some employees accused Hegseth of creating a toxic work environment. One former staffer described his behavior as “erratic and unprofessional,” while others recounted incidents of him showing up intoxicated at work functions.
A former Fox News producer also described Hegseth’s drinking as an “open secret” during his time as a co-host on Fox & Friends. The producer told CNN that it was not unusual to find beer cans in the trash inside Hegseth’s office.
In response to these allegations, Hegseth acknowledged that he drank heavily as he transitioned from military to civilian life but denied having a drinking problem.
Hegseth has also been criticized for past remarks suggesting women should not serve in combat roles. During his confirmation hearing, he was pressed on these comments, which some senators interpreted as dismissive of women’s capabilities.
Hegseth defended his position by framing it as a concern about military readiness and standards. “When I’m talking about that issue, it’s not about the capabilities of men and women; it’s about standards,” he told the Senate panel. “Women make amazing contributions to the military.”
Despite his explanation, critics argue that his comments reflect outdated views that could hinder efforts to promote gender equity within the armed forces.
Hegseth’s nomination has highlighted deep partisan divides in Washington. Republicans have largely rallied behind him, emphasizing his military experience and conservative credentials. Democrats, however, argue that the allegations and controversies surrounding him raise serious questions about his ability to lead the nation’s military.
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, described Hegseth’s nomination as a “test of the Senate’s moral compass.”
“We are being asked to confirm someone to lead the Department of Defense who has faced credible allegations of misconduct and whose judgment has been called into question time and again,” Blumenthal said.
The revelations about the $50,000 settlement and other allegations have drawn widespread media attention and public debate. Critics argue that Hegseth’s nomination reflects a broader pattern in the Trump administration of appointing controversial figures to key positions.
Supporters, however, dismiss the allegations as politically motivated attacks aimed at derailing a qualified nominee. They point to Hegseth’s service as an Army veteran who completed multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan and his advocacy for veterans’ issues as evidence of his fitness for the role.
One Republican strategist, speaking on condition of anonymity, said, “The left is trying to weaponize old, unproven claims to sink a good man. Pete Hegseth is exactly the kind of leader the Pentagon needs—someone who isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.”
Hegseth’s nomination now heads to a full Senate vote, where a simple majority is required for confirmation. With the chamber evenly split, Vice President Mike Pence may need to cast a tie-breaking vote.
As the Senate deliberates, the controversies surrounding Hegseth are unlikely to dissipate. His tenure, if confirmed, would undoubtedly be closely watched by both supporters and detractors.
For now, the question remains: Will the Senate prioritize qualifications and experience over the controversies that have come to define Hegseth’s nomination?
As the nation awaits the final vote, one thing is clear—Pete Hegseth’s journey from Fox News host to potential Pentagon chief has been anything but conventional.
