Trump appointed Fox News host Pete Hegseth as Defense Secretary despite $50,000 sexual assault settlement, allegations of excessive drinking at work, and sworn affidavit from ex-sister-in-law saying he's 'unfit“ and ex-wife 'feared for her safety.” Confirmed 51-50, narrowest margin.
Pete Hegseth Confirmed 51-50 as Defense Secretary Despite a $50,000 Settlement With a Sexual Assault Accuser
Key Facts8
- 01$50,000 settlement to woman who accused him of sexual assault at 2017 Republican women's conference
- 02Emergency room nurse contacted police after treating woman who 'may have been drugged and raped'
- 03Multiple allegations of excessive drinking and being intoxicated at work - 'open secret' at Fox News
- 04Affidavit: Ex-wife had code word system to signal she needed help to escape
- 05Affidavit: Said 'women should not vote or work'
- 06No experience running large organizations; leads 3 million personnel and $850 billion budget
- 07Confirmed by narrowest margin: 51-50 with VP Vance casting tiebreaking vote
- 08Article of impeachment filed December 2025
Sources4
Verified across 4 sources — investigations, news reports