Pete Hegseth, nominated by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as defense secretary, is under scrutiny after it was revealed he paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault. Hegseth denies the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual. His lawyer stated that the payment was made to avoid risking Hegseth’s position at Fox News. The woman had filed a complaint in 2017, but no charges were brought against Hegseth. Despite the recent revelations, Trump’s team has expressed confidence in Hegseth’s qualifications for the role.