Controversial Pentagon Nominee Pete Hegseth Allegedly Paid $50,000 Amid Misconduct Claims

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Pete Hegseth, a candidate for the U.S. Secretary of Defense position, is facing scrutiny after reports revealed he paid $50,000 to a woman following allegations of sexual misconduct. This information surfaced during his confirmation hearing when responding to Senator Elizabeth Warren. The allegations date back to 2017, with claims that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman in California, which he contests, insisting the encounter was consensual.

During his Senate testimony, Hegseth stated he was "falsely accused" and has since been cleared of any wrongdoing. However, an investigative report indicated that he allegedly took the woman’s phone, blocked her from leaving, and refused to let her go. Although the police recommended forwarding the matter to the Monterey County District Attorney's office, they declined to file charges due to a lack of evidence in January 2018.

Compounding the controversy, Hegseth is also accused of heavy drinking at public events, and a sworn statement from a former sister-in-law claims he abused his second wife, who feared for her safety.

As the confirmation vote approaches, two Republican senators, Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins, have publicly announced they do not support Hegseth’s nomination, deeming him unfit for the role. The final vote on his confirmation is expected to take place on Friday.

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