Hegseth Responds to Old Allegations: Police Found No Evidence

President Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, is under fire from the media for a 2017 sexual assault allegation already investigated and dismissed by law enforcement. Reports suggest the allegation, made by a married woman identified as Jane Doe, was revived to tarnish Hegseth’s reputation amid his confirmation process.

In October 2017, Monterey, California police thoroughly investigated the claims but concluded there was no evidence to support them. Hegseth maintains the encounter in question was consensual.

According to the police report obtained by Mediaite, Jane Doe, 30, accused Hegseth of assaulting her during a Republican women’s conference held at the Hyatt Hotel in Monterey. She alleged that after drinking at the event, she approached Hegseth to criticize his treatment of women. She claimed the next thing she remembered was being in a hotel room with Hegseth and witnessing him ejaculate on her stomach.

Doe further alleged that Hegseth told her to “clean it up” before she eventually returned to her hotel room. She reported the incident to authorities four days later after seeking a hospital examination.

However, discrepancies in Jane Doe’s account raised doubts. She told police the incident didn’t “dawn on her” until the Monday following the event, despite showering and resuming daily activities. Surveillance footage also contradicted her claims.

Monterey police reviewed video footage from the night in question, showing Hegseth and Jane Doe walking arm in arm at 1:15 a.m. She appeared to be smiling as they headed toward the pool area. Police noted that Jane Doe initiated contact and led Hegseth to his hotel room.

In his statement to law enforcement, Hegseth admitted he had been drinking but insisted the encounter was consensual. He stated that Jane Doe, who was married at the time, later expressed regret, telling him she would explain her absence to her husband by saying she had passed out on a couch.

After a thorough investigation, police concluded there was no evidence to substantiate Doe’s allegations. The case was closed without charges.

Timothy Parlatore, Hegseth’s attorney, emphasized the allegations were fully vetted and dismissed by police. Speaking to Vanity Fair, Parlatore said:

“This allegation was already investigated by the Monterey Police Department, and they found no evidence for it.”

Despite this, Mediaite and other left-leaning outlets revived the allegations, using the 22-page police report to cast doubt on Hegseth’s character. Parlatore dismissed these efforts as a baseless smear campaign.

“The police report confirms what I have said all along: the incident was fully investigated, and police found the allegations to be false,” Parlatore told Mediaite.

Hegseth directly addressed the issue when questioned by reporters on Capitol Hill.

“Did you sexually assault a woman in Monterey, California?” one reporter asked.

Hegseth responded:

“The matter was fully investigated, and I was completely cleared, and that’s where I’m gonna leave it.”

Hegseth’s poised response reflects his focus on the confirmation process and his commitment to the duties of Defense Secretary, should he be confirmed.

Critics argue that the resurfacing of the allegation is part of a broader campaign to discredit Hegseth and derail his confirmation. The former Fox News contributor and Army veteran is a strong advocate for dismantling Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives within the military, making him a target for far-left media outlets.

This latest attack follows a pattern of opposition to Trump’s nominees, especially those with conservative views on military culture and governance. As President Trump pushes to reshape the Pentagon’s priorities, Hegseth’s nomination has become a focal point of partisan conflict.

Despite these efforts, Hegseth remains resolute. The Monterey Police Department’s investigation unequivocally cleared him of wrongdoing, and his legal team stands firmly by his innocence.

As his confirmation hearings approach, Hegseth’s supporters hope his military service and commitment to reforming the Defense Department will outweigh any attempts to derail his nomination through unsubstantiated claims.

The revival of baseless allegations against Pete Hegseth underscores the increasingly combative nature of political nominations in today’s media landscape. While opponents seek to use discredited claims to challenge his character, the evidence remains firmly on Hegseth’s side.

With the police findings on record and his own steadfast defense, Hegseth looks forward to focusing on his future role in shaping a stronger, more focused U.S. military.