### Senate Republicans Rally Around Hegseth Amid Sexual Assault Allegations

In a show of support, Republican senators have backed President-elect Donald Trump’s Pentagon nominee, Pete Hegseth, despite emerging details of a sexual assault allegation dating back to 2017. This rallying around Hegseth comes at a time when another Trump nominee, Matt Gaetz, withdrew from consideration for attorney general due to his own scandal.

Gaetz's withdrawal followed pressure to release a House ethics report detailing allegations that he paid women for sex starting in 2017, when he was a Florida congressman. His departure has been seen as a precaution to avoid distractions, as noted by Sen. Susan Collins of Maine who praised Gaetz for putting the country first.

Despite the controversies, Republican senators remain steadfast in their support for Hegseth. After conducting private meetings with Hegseth, they expressed confidence in his nomination. Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi, likely to chair the Senate Armed Services Committee, indicated he believed Hegseth would be well-received.

Hegseth, accompanied by incoming Vice President JD Vance, held several private meetings on Thursday to consolidate backing. He stated to reporters that the allegations were thoroughly investigated and that he had been completely cleared.

However, a recently made public police report provided detailed accounts of the 2017 incident where a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault. According to the report, Hegseth allegedly took the woman’s phone, blocked the hotel room door in California, and prevented her from leaving. Despite these detailed claims, Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Palatore, reiterated that police found the allegations to be false and that a confidential settlement was reached in 2023 to avoid a baseless lawsuit.

Some GOP senators have downplayed the allegations. Sen. Bill Hagerty of Tennessee criticized the resurfacing of the claims as "a he-said, she-said thing" and highlighted the need to focus on the responsibilities Hegseth would undertake at the Defense Department. Sen. John Barrasso of Wyoming also affirmed Hegseth’s capabilities, emphasizing the nominee's commitment to strengthening the Pentagon.

As January approaches and Republicans prepare to hold confirmation hearings swiftly after Trump’s inauguration, the challenge remains over whether nominees like Hegseth will face adequate vetting. Concerns linger among some about the qualifications and backgrounds of Trump's choices, but so far, public criticism has been minimal.