Hegseth, one of Trump’s controversial appointees, was accused by a woman in 2017 of having sexually assaulted her, according to a detailed police report that is now coming to light amid his eventual jump from a news network to head of the Pentagon.

Known for his role on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” the former Army National Guard infantry officer told police at the time that the encounter was consensual and denied having committed any crime, news reports here highlight.

The Monterrey Police Department in California confirmed last week that it is investigating the sexual assault allegations that have surfaced following his appointment.

He is “completely innocent,” said Hegseth’s lawyer, stating that his client was actually blackmailed by the plaintiff who was paid in 2023 to avoid taking the case to court. Several members of Trump’s 2025 cabinet are under scrutiny. Former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, appointed to the position of attorney general, and former Hawaii Rep. Tulsi Gabbard as director of national intelligence, raised criticism and alarms in Washington.

Gaetz is also involved in affairs. He was accused of sexual relations with a minor, as well as drug use and accepting gifts, which is included in a report by the House Ethics Committee, whose investigation was left without jurisdiction from the moment the politician resigned from his seat. Many inside and outside the Republican Party (GOP) are wondering why Trump chose such a controversial figure as Gaetz to head the Justice Department, because in addition to the investigation, they believe that he does not have sufficient credentials for the position.

For some GOP senators, there will be no shortage of doubts when the time comes to cast their vote to confirm him.

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