The Senate Armed Services Committee is reportedly investigating allegations of misconduct against Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense. Committee leaders including Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), have requested documents from both the Monterey County District Attorney's Office and Concerned Veterans for America, a group Hegseth previously led, according to communications reviewed by ABC News.
The inquiries, conducted in early December, follow allegations of sexual assault and financial mismanagement, both of which Hegseth denies. A 2017 police report alleges the former Fox News host sexually assaulted a woman at a California hotel. He denied the claim, saying the interaction was consensual. While no charges were filed, Hegseth paid the woman a settlement to avoid potential damage to his career, his attorney said. Hegseth acknowledged being in a hotel room with the accuser but denied any wrongdoing in a recent interview.
The Monterey County District Attorney's Office responded to the committee on Dec. 20, saying it has no additional evidence beyond the police report. Some requested documents were withheld due to attorney-client privilege.
Separately, the committee is reviewing Hegseth's tenure as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America after a New Yorker report raised allegations of financial mismanagement and sexism. The panel has asked for employment records, financial documents, and any allegations of misconduct during his leadership.
Richard Blumenthal, who is also part of the committee, recently sent a letter to its leaders saying that "in light of recent reports," he requests "that prior to scheduling any confirmation hearing, the Committee ensure that Concerned Veterans of America (CVA) and the Veterans for Freedom (VFF) preserve and produce all financial records and correspondence, particularly concerning credit card transactions, relating to Peter Hegseth's tenure at these organizations to the Committee for review."
"Accusations of Mr. Hegseth's serious financial abuse and gross misconduct as the Executive Director of VFF from 2007 to 2011 and again as the Executive Director of CVA from 2013 to 2016 make it imperative that the Committee have access to all relevant documentation to access these claims prior to the Committee considering his nomination. This request includes but is not limited to credit card records, tax filings, receipts, performance reviews, and revenue reports," Blumenthal added.
Different outlets reported in December that Hegseth received a six-figure severance payment of $172,000 and signed a non-disclosure agreement after leaving CVA. The payments took place long after his departure. Hegseth has denied all allegations and is cooperating with the committee's investigation, according to his attorney, Timothy Parlatore said the NDA was standard practice for all employees who left CVA, not specific to Hegseth. "It was standard for all employees," Parlatore added.
Despite the scrutiny, Trump has publicly supported Hegseth, calling him a "WINNER" on Truth Social and expressing confidence in his nomination.
Sen. Wicker, who will preside over Hegseth's confirmation hearing on Jan. 14, has emphasized the importance of a thorough vetting process. Hegseth has already undergone a full FBI background check and met with several senators to secure support.
The allegations present a significant challenge for Hegseth, who needs the support of all but three Senate Republicans for confirmation. However, Wicker has suggested that Hegseth may be in "pretty good shape" heading into the hearings.
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