Already a subscriber? Make sure to log into your account before viewing this content. You can access your account by hitting the “login” button on the top right corner. Still unable to see the content after signing in? Make sure your card on file is up-to-date.
A lawyer for President-elect Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense has warned that the accuser in a 2017 sexual assault case could face a civil extortion lawsuit if her allegations, which allegedly violate a confidential settlement, result in his failure to secure the Cabinet position.
Let’s bring you up to speed: Shortly after Pete Hegseth was nominated for Secretary of Defense, allegations resurfaced that he had sexually assaulted a woman in 2017 during a Republican conference in Monterey, California. The accuser claims she met Hegseth at an after-party but has little memory of the night, waking up in a hotel room where she believes she was raped and possibly drugged. In 2020, Hegseth and the accuser reached a confidential settlement to resolve the matter, which his lawyer claims was agreed to amidst the heightened scrutiny of the #MeToo movement. Hegseth has denied the allegations, stating the encounter was consensual, but his legal team now alleges the accuser breached the settlement, paving the way for potential legal action.

What’s going on now: During an appearance on CNN, Pete Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, warned that the woman accusing Hegseth of sexual assault could face a civil extortion lawsuit if her allegations negatively impact his confirmation as Secretary of Defense. Parlatore said, “Quite frankly, with the violation of the [confidential settlement] agreement, if he is not confirmed as the secretary of defense, we may still bring a civil extortion claim against her.” He also emphasized that the accuser is “free to speak” but cautioned that if she makes “false statements,” she could face a defamation lawsuit.
Parlatore added that the confidentiality agreement had been breached, saying, “That is why I can openly discuss the case on CNN.”
This all comes as President-elect Trump is reportedly reconsidering Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense amid growing questions from republican senators who will need to approve his nomination. The possible replacements being discussed include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senator Jodi Ernst.