Saturday, August 9

In October 2017, during a Republican women’s conference in Monterey, California, an incident occurred involving Pete Hegseth, then-nominee for Secretary of Defense under President Trump, that led to a police investigation into allegations of sexual assault. A woman, referred to as Jane Doe in the police report, accused Hegseth of taking her phone, blocking her from leaving his hotel room, and sexually assaulting her. The Monterey Police Department released a 22-page report that detailed conflicting accounts from both parties about the encounter. Hegseth was later named in a confidential settlement agreement with the accuser, but no formal charges were filed against him.

Jane Doe alleged that during the encounter, she repeatedly told Hegseth “no” as he proceeded to ejaculate on her stomach, ultimately telling her to “clean it up.” This experience reportedly left her with psychological distress, including nightmares. In contrast, Hegseth maintained his innocence, asserting that the two had consensual intercourse and that he sought to ensure her comfort throughout the encounter. Following the emergence of the assault claims, the Trump administration publicly continued to support Hegseth’s nomination despite the scandal.

The police report, released on Wednesday, brought to light the contrasting narratives resulting from this incident. Both parties had attended a social gathering at the hotel bar after Hegseth’s speech, where Doe claimed to have felt uncomfortable with his advances. She reported observing Hegseth displaying inappropriate behavior toward other women throughout the conference, leading her to decline his invitation to his hotel room. At the same time, the police report indicated conflicting statements regarding their levels of intoxication, as Doe struggled to recall various details of the night, even suggesting that her drink might have been tampered with.

Jane Doe recounted trying to leave Hegseth’s hotel room only to be physically blocked by him. She recalled specific details from the incident, including Hegseth wearing dog tags during the assault and reiterated her resistance by expressing “no” in response to his advances. Meanwhile, Hegseth’s recollection diverged significantly; he claimed Doe had guided him to his hotel room, painting a picture of mutual attraction and consent. He contended that their interaction involved ongoing communication and that any subsequent regret exhibited by Doe was her own reflection on the encounter.

Following their encounter, Jane Doe sought medical help just four days later, undergoing a sexual assault forensic exam and presenting the clothing she wore during the incident. The report indicates that she experienced memory issues and psychological impacts, with reports from friends highlighting her emotional distress after the event, which included sudden tears and a lack of energy. Hegseth, a decorated veteran and Princeton and Harvard graduate, has faced scrutiny due to his past, including allegations from military superiors who labeled him an extremist.

The release of the police report adds an additional layer of complexity to Hegseth’s confirmation process as Secretary of Defense. Given the serious nature of the allegations and the contrasting accounts from both parties, questions about his fitness for the role have become increasingly pronounced. Despite the controversy surrounding the allegations, as of now, Hegseth continues to receive support from the Trump administration, reaffirming the divided perceptions surrounding this case within the broader sociopolitical context. As the nation awaits further developments, the intersection of power, personal conduct, and accountability remains intensely scrutinized.

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