Pete Hegseth, the nominee to lead the Pentagon, affirmed his commitment to appoint a senior-level official focused on sexual assault prevention and response during a recent hearing with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst. This move comes despite the Defense Department already having an office dedicated to this important issue.
Sen. Ernst, a strong advocate for women in the military, had expressed initial reservations about supporting Hegseth's nomination. However, after several discussions with him, she raised key topics such as Department of Defense audits, women in combat roles, and the ongoing battle against sexual assault within the military.
It is worth noting that Hegseth has faced allegations of sexual assault in the past, which he has vehemently denied. No charges have been filed against him in connection with the incident, which reportedly occurred in 2017. Subsequently, a settlement agreement was reached between Hegseth and the accuser. Throughout this ordeal, Hegseth has maintained that the encounter was consensual.
