Republican Senator Says New Reports ‘Could’ Sink Pete Hegseth’s Nomination

Senator Markwayne Mullin, an Oklahoma Republican, said on Sunday that new reporting on President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s sexual assault allegation could potentially prevent his confirmation.

Last week it was reported that Hegseth was investigated for sexual assault in California seven years ago. No charges were filed, and Hegseth has “vigorously denied any and all accusations,” Trump spokesman Steven Cheung told Vanity Fair.

Then on Saturday, The Washington Post reported that Hegseth entered into a mutual nondisclosure agreement with the accuser, which included him paying her an unknown sum.

Parlatore previously told Newsweek last week that no criminal charges were filed.

“Although an allegation was made, it was fully investigated and Pete was cleared,” he said. “This unfortunate episode should have zero impact on the confirmation process.”

During a Sunday interview appearance on NBC News’ Meet the Press, Mullin was asked by host Kristen Welker whether the sexual assault allegation could “sink” Hegseth’s confirmation in the Senate.

“It could,” Mullin responded. “But let me tell you about Pete,” the GOP senator continued, highlighting the former Fox News’ personality’s “honorable” service to his country in the Army National Guard. He pointed out that Hegseth served in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan and has two Bronze Stars.

“He fits the role of secretary of defense,” Mullin added. “I think he’s a good pick, but once again, as allegations come out, we’ll figure out…if he can get confirmed or not.”

Newsweek reached out to Parlatore via email on Sunday morning for comment.

Vanity Fair reported on Thursday that Trump’s transition team learned of a sexual misconduct allegation against Hegseth on Wednesday night, citing unnamed sources. Trump’s incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, and Trump’s lawyers spoke to Hegseth about the situation Thursday, according to the magazine.

Parlatore has insisted the encounter was consensual and told the Post that the accuser is “lying to keep her marriage intact.”

News of the allegation follows surprise at Hegseth’s appointment among some Republicans and some in military circles.

Hegseth served with the Minnesota National Guard and conducted three tours of Iraq and Afghanistan as a platoon leader and civil-military operations officer. He later became a Fox News commentator. If his appointment is confirmed by the Senate, Hegseth would replace Lloyd Austin, a retired four-star general.

Hegseth has called for a purge of “woke” military leaders, argued that women should not serve in combat roles and advocated for pardoning service members charged with war crimes.