The WSJ editors question Hegseth about allegations of sexual abuse

The Wall Street Journal editorial board questioned Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s pick for defense secretary, following a sexual assault allegation in a new op-ed published Tuesday.

The Journal’s editorial staff suggested that when the Senate holds confirmation hearings on Hegseth becoming the head of the Defense Department, they might wonder what he kept from the Trump transition team while he was vetted.

“Whoever runs the Pentagon must have the president’s confidence. If Mr. Trump was unaware of this political liability before announcing the nomination, he might reasonably wonder what else Mr. Hegseth failed to tell him,” the board wrote.

Monterey police last week confirmed an investigation into an “alleged sexual assault” involving Hegseth in 2017. Trump’s new chief of staff, Susie Wiles, spoke to Hegseth about the accusation, which he said arose from a consensual meeting.

Hegseth’s appointment to the Defense Department was surprising given his relative lack of experience. He was an infantry officer in the Army National Guard and later served as the host of the Fox News program “Fox & Friends.”

Hegseth’s lawyer claimed he was “completely innocent” and was actually the subject of blackmail by the woman in the situation.

The Journal’s board noted that what happened seven years ago “may be impossible to prove or disprove” because the sides say different things.

“But even if we give Mr. Hegseth the benefit of the doubt, this raises questions about the judgment, including whether he warned the President-elect that this could come out,” they wrote.

The Journal highlighted a Trump spokesperson saying they look forward to Hegseth’s confirmation to the department, but the administration also left the door open, saying “impulsively made nominations may also be withdrawn.”

The Hill has reached out to Trump’s transition team for comment.

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