Trump's Pentagon Nominee Hits Back at Media's 'smear' Campaign

In a statement, Pete Hegseth asserted that a 2017 rape allegation is being exploited “by the left” to obstruct his confirmation as US defense secretary. Read Full Article at RT.com

Trump's Pentagon Nominee Hits Back at Media's 'smear' Campaign
Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for US Secretary of Defense, has alleged that the media is conducting a libel-based show trial to obstruct his confirmation. Hegseth's nomination has sparked a wave of negative press, prompting concerns about his suitability for the role and the likelihood of Senate approval.

His history has come under scrutiny, with accusations of alcohol abuse and sexual misconduct surfacing. Notably, in 2017, Hegseth faced a rape allegation from an unnamed woman following a Republican convention in California. Although law enforcement investigated the claim and did not file charges, it has been reported that Hegseth provided the woman with an undisclosed sum, and both signed a confidentiality agreement.

In a Fox News interview, Hegseth claimed that "the left" is attempting to exploit this allegation to orchestrate a media spectacle. He stated, “This is what the left does… It’s the anatomy of a smear. They take something, then add anonymous sources, and contortions, and flat-out lies and then they try to try you in the media before you can even get into the doors with senators.”

Hegseth mentioned that Trump has encouraged him to "keep fighting" and advocate for necessary changes within the Defense Department. During his re-election campaign, Trump criticized the Democrats for harming America's global standing and promised to restore its prestige under the banner of "peace through strength."

According to the US Constitution, key presidential appointments must receive confirmation from the Senate. Historically, the Senate has approved most nominations, with only three exceptions in the last century.

Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News