Pete Hegseth Dismisses Sexual Assault and Alcohol Abuse Allegations as "Smear Campaign" at Confirmation Hearing

Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee and dismissed credible sexual assault allegations and documented alcohol abuse as a coordinated “smear campaign” orchestrated by political enemies and the media.

Hegseth faced questions about a 2017 sexual assault allegation in Monterey, California, for which he paid a settlement to his accuser. He also confronted reports from former colleagues at Fox News describing his heavy drinking and inappropriate workplace behavior. Despite these allegations, Hegseth provided no substantive rebuttal beyond claiming victimhood.

The hearing exemplified the Trump administration’s pattern of elevating compromised loyalists to positions of power. Critics argue that nominees with credible misconduct allegations become more dependent on Trump for protection, ensuring their loyalty. Hegseth was ultimately confirmed on a 50-50 vote with Vice President Vance breaking the tie.

The confirmation of a Defense Secretary facing unresolved sexual assault allegations sends a troubling message throughout the military chain of command about accountability for misconduct—particularly significant given the Pentagon’s ongoing struggles with sexual assault within the armed forces.