Sen. Lindsey Graham shared Sunday that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Trump’s nominee for the Pentagon, intends to lift the confidentiality agreement that restricts his sexual assault accuser from speaking publicly.
Speaking on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” Graham explained that Hegseth conveyed his decision to him directly. “Consider the gravity of this situation,” Graham remarked. “Anyone nominated for a remarkable role in Washington should face scrutiny if there’s a legitimate accusation of assault.”
Lindsey Graham reveals Pete Hegseth plans to waive confidentiality agreement
He stressed that for the allegations to be addressed, the accuser would need to publicly present her claims. Graham emphasized his unfamiliarity with such concerns about Hegseth, stating, “This isn’t an issue I’ve associated with him before.”
However, he maintained that credible allegations, if presented openly, would receive due consideration, referencing the process used during Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearings. Graham also expressed concern about Hegseth facing judgment based on anonymous claims and encouraged those with substantiated accusations to come forward.
The accusations involve an incident from 2017, during which the woman alleged Hegseth assaulted her after meeting at a Republican conference in Monterey, California. According to police records, she claimed she woke up in a hotel room with Hegseth, who allegedly restricted her from leaving and confiscated her phone. She also indicated she might have been drugged and raped. However, no charges were filed.
Hegseth denied the accusations, asserting their interaction was consensual and that the woman later regretted the encounter due to her marital status. His attorney stated that a non-disclosure agreement was signed despite the heightened scrutiny of the #MeToo movement. Earlier this month, his lawyer, Tim Parlatore, mentioned that a civil extortion lawsuit against the accuser was considered before reaching the agreement.
