Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee for defense secretary, admitted to paying $50,000 as part of a legal settlement with a woman who accused him of raping her in 2017, according to Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren.
Ms. Warren, a Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, posted document on social media platform X on Thursday, which her spokeswoman said on Friday was included in Mr. Hegseth's responses to the senator's written questions. The existence of the settlement was documented before its confirmation hearing this month, but the amount was not publicly known. Associated Press The disclosure was previously reported.
“Mr. Hegseth, how much did you pay “Jane Doe” as part of a non-disclosure agreement or other agreement related to this incident? the document states. Answer: “$50,000.”
Ms Warren wrote in her post: “We cannot rush his vote and trust him with our national security.”
Mr. Hegseth said the rape allegation was false and that he agreed to pay the woman to protect his job as a Fox News host, his family and his marriage to his third wife. Police investigated the accusation and referred the case to the district attorney's office, which declined to press charges.
The Senate is expected to vote on Hegseth's nomination Friday evening. Thursday senators voted 51–49 in favor of his nomination. for the final vote. The vote was largely along party lines, but two Republican senators, Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, joined Democrats in voting against the advance.
In addition to the rape charge, Mr. Hegseth is accused of years of alcohol abuse, which he also denies. Ex-daughter-in-law too accused him of “abusive” behavior towards his second wife, who denies any physical abuse.
Republican senators acknowledged Mr. Hegseth is an unconventional choice to lead the Defense Department but say he is qualified for the job.
