Pete Hegseth, Trump's Pick for Defense Secretary, Paid $50K to Quiet Sexual Assault Accuser: Report

Mar. 15, 2025

Pete Hegseth on January 20, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Photo:Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty

Shawn Thew-Pool/Getty

Pete Hegseth, PresidentDonald Trump’s defense secretary nominee, reportedly paid $50,000 to thewoman who accused him of sexual assault in 2017, according to theAssociated PressandCBS News.

The $50,000 figure was included in the written answers Hegseth, 44, provided to Massachusetts Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren during his senate confirmation process, the Associated Press reported on Thursday, Jan. 23. Hegseth’s nomination was advanced on Thursday.

Vanity Fairwas the first outlet to report the alleged sexual assault.

According to the Nov. 14 press release, the person who reported the sexual assault alleged it took place on Oct. 7, 2017, between 11:59 p.m. and 7 a.m. the next day. Hegseth allegedly took the woman’s phone, then blocked the hotel door and refused to let her leave, the alleged victim told police, per a detailed investigative report released on Nov. 20, 2024, theAssociated Pressreports. The alleged victim sustained bruises on their right thigh, and police said that no weapons were involved.

Police forwarded the report to the Monterey County District Attorney’s Office for review. Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni said on Nov. 21 her office decided against filing charges in January 2018 because they didn’t have “proof beyond a reasonable doubt,” per the AP.

Although Hegseth and his attorney, Timothy Parlatore, have denied the claims and claimed it was a sexual act, Parlatore said in a statement Hegseth reached a confidential settlement with the accuser in December 2020.

“Knowing that it was the height of the MeToo movement and any public accusation would result in his immediate termination from Fox, Mr. Hegseth ultimately decided to enter into a settlement for a significantly reduced amount,” Parlatore said, later alleging that the “complainant was the aggressor in initiating sexual activity.”

Pete Hegseth on January 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty

On Dec. 4, Hegseth also toldSiriusXM’sThe Megyn Kelly Showthat he paid a settlement without sharing an amount. “It’s not what I should have done,” he said. “I did it to protect my wife I did it to protect my family and I did it to protect my job.” He did not reveal the amount of money paid in the settlement.

During his Jan. 14 senate confirmation hearing, Hegseth denied the allegations and said they were “anonymous, false charges.”

Pete Hegseth on January 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C.Andrew Harnik/Getty

Andrew Harnik/Getty

​​Despite a harsh response from Democratic senators and “no” votes from Republican Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, Hegseth’s nomination was advanced with a 51-49 vote on Thursday. The final vote on confirmation is expected Friday, Jan. 24, and if approved, Hegseth will oversee the Pentagon and all branches of the U.S. Armed Forces.

Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE’s free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer​​, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Parlatore did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Thursday.

If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go torainn.org.

source: people.com