Laura Barron-Lopez:
Since Pete Hegseth’s nomination to run the Pentagon, a number of misconduct allegations have surfaced against the former FOX News host. These include excessive workplace drinking, financial mismanagement of organizations he’s led, and sexual assault.
According to a police report made public last November, Hegseth is accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017 in a California hotel room. The woman said Hegseth took her phone and blocked her exit. It was first reported to police by a nurse after a patient requested a sexual assault exam. Hegseth settled with the woman, but denies any wrongdoing.
I’m joined now by Gretchen Carlson, former FOX anchor and co-founder of Lift Our Voices, an organization dedicated to ending nondisclosure agreements in the workplace.
Gretchen, thank you so much for joining.
After some initial concern from Republican senators about these allegations against Hegseth, it seems as though many are prepared to vote to confirm him. What does it say that an allegation of sexual assault does not appear to be disqualifying?
