Major Controversies Surrounding Pete Hegseth: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Pete Hegseth.

Pete Hegseth is an American author, former television presenter, and former Army National Guard officer. He is described as currently serving as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense since January 2025.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

June 2015: Axe-Throwing Incident During Flag Day Event

In June 2015, Hegseth threw an axe during a Flag Day event in New York City and accidentally hit a drummer, leading to a lawsuit.

October 2017: Sexual Assault Allegations at Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel

In October 2017, Pete Hegseth allegedly sexually assaulted a woman at the Hyatt Regency Monterey Hotel and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, California, where he was scheduled to speak at a convention.

January 2018: Monterey County Declines to File Charges

In January 2018, Monterey County district attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni declined to file charges against Hegseth due to insufficient proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

April 2018: Email from Hegseth's Mother

In April 2018, an email from Pete Hegseth's mother, Penny, accused him of mistreating women for years. Penny later apologized and defended her son.

October 2018: Trump Claims "Unknown Middle Easterners" Infiltrated Migrant Caravan

In October 2018, Trump claimed that "unknown Middle Easterners" had infiltrated a migrant caravan, apparently citing a comment made by Hegseth on Fox & Friends.

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August 2019: Trump Repeated Claims Linking Video Games to Mass Shootings

In August 2019, Trump repeated claims made by Hegseth correlating video games with mass shootings after the mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.

2020: Non-Disclosure Agreement

In 2020, it was reported that Hegseth had paid his accuser as part of a non-disclosure agreement after she threatened legal action.

March 2021: Barred from Duty at Biden Inauguration

In March 2021, Hegseth was barred from serving on duty at the inauguration of Joe Biden.

2022: Protested Critical Race Theory at Harvard

In 2022, Hegseth protested the offering of classes in critical race theory at Harvard University by writing "Return to sender" on his degree and sending it back.

2023: Featured in Dominion Voting Systems Lawsuit

In 2023, Hegseth was featured in the Dominion Voting Systems v. Fox News Network lawsuit for not rejecting claims of election fraud on Fox & Friends Weekend.

November 12, 2024: Donald Trump named Hegseth as his nominee for secretary of defense

On November 12, 2024, Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth as secretary of defense after Tom Cotton declined the position. Hegseth subsequently ended his contract with Fox News, a move seen as Trump seeking a loyalist, though his experience was questioned. A sexual assault allegation from seven years prior surfaced, but Trump defended Hegseth, despite concerns from Republican senators and reports of financial mismanagement and alcohol issues.

November 2024: The New York Times Obtains Email from Hegseth's Mother

In November 2024, The New York Times obtained an email from Penny Hegseth, Pete Hegseth's mother, from April 2018, accusing her son of mistreating women.

November 2024: Vanity Fair Report and Further Allegations

In November 2024, Vanity Fair reported the alleged sexual assault from 2017, detailing that Hegseth was investigated but not criminally charged. The report also mentioned a non-disclosure agreement and allegations of rape that were provided to Donald Trump's presidential transition team.