Pete Hegseth Says ‘Battle Is Just Beginning’ After Sexual Assault Claim Surfaces

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Trump's Defense Secretary pick was investigated over an alleged 2017 sexual assault in Monterey, California

During a prayer call hosted Tuesday by the Republican National Committee and co-chair Lara Trump, Pete Hegseth declared that “the battle is just beginning,” amid revelations of a 2017 sexual assault allegation.

Following president-elect Donald Trump‘s announcement that he had chosen the Fox News host to serve as his secretary of defense, public records surfaced indicating that Hegseth was investigated over an alleged sexual assault in Monterey, California.

As Hegseth’s wife sat next to him on Tuesday, the Army veteran asked those listening to pray for the president-elect, incoming first lady Melania Trump, and their family, according to CNN. “I know in our family, we take that time to hold them up in prayer,” he added, noting the “outpouring of support” was the “reason why we can endure the attacks and the onslaughts.”

Last week, the City of Monterey confirmed that a police report had been made involving Hegseth. The information provided indicated that the city’s police department had “investigated an alleged sexual assault,” which took place around the early morning hours of Oct. 8, 2017, at 1 Old Golf Course Road.

The records request noted that the unnamed victim reported “contusions to [the] right thigh,” and that no weapons were involved.

Trump’s communications director Steven Cheung told Vanity Fair that Hegseth “has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed.”

CNN previously reported that according to Hegseth’s attorney, Hegseth paid a woman who accused him of sexual assault in a settlement agreement that included a confidentiality clause. His lawyer said Hegseth denied the assault and called the 2017 incident a “consensual sexual encounter.”