Trump Team Backs Pete Hegseth After Police Report Details Graphic Allegations Against Defense Secretary Pick

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The Trump transition team pushed back against the release of a police report graphically detailing a 2017 sexual assault allegations against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary.

The report, released to Mediaite on Wednesday by the City of Monterey attorney’s office in response to media inquiries, centers on accusations made by a woman identified as Jane Doe. The alleged incident happened during a political conference at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel, where Jane Doe claims Hegseth blocked her exit from his hotel room and sexually assaulted her.

Jane Doe claimed her memory of the encounter was impaired, citing heavy alcohol consumption and suspicions of being drugged. Despite recommending the case be reviewed by prosecutors, no charges were ever filed.

In response to the report, Trump campaign national press secretary Karoline Leavitt doubled down on Hegseth’s qualifications and credibility.

Leavitt told the New York Times that “the report corroborates what Mr. Hegseth’s lawyers have maintained: that the incident was fully investigated and no charges were filed.”

She described Hegseth as a “highly respected combat veteran” and insisted that Trump remains confident in his ability to “honorably serve our country as the secretary of defense.”

Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Iraq War veteran, continues to deny the accusations, asserting he ensured the complainant’s consent.