Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of the US Department of Defense would spell disaster for the US armed forces overall, but especially for the progress made in addressing military sexual assault.
Hegseth is not only the most unqualified individual to be nominated as the future Secretary of Defense, but also perhaps one of the most dangerous candidates to ever be considered.
His track record and statements reveal a pattern of extreme views and behavior that directly conflict with the goals of creating a safer and more inclusive military.
He has argued for firing senior military leaders for being “woke.” He bears tattoos linked to white nationalism, which led to his removal from an assignment. He has stated women should not serve in combat and have unjustly been awarded medals, service academies are Communist institutions, that transgender people should not serve at all, and criticized diversity initiatives and certain “health policies” within the military.
Donald Trump’s stated desires of banning transgender troops, ending abortion travel policies, and using the military to suppress domestic political unrest would likely find a willing executor in Hegseth.
Troubling History and Perspective
Coupled with his regressive views, Hegseth’s past actions make him an unconvincing candidate for advancing military sexual assault reform.
While in college, he published a column claiming that “intercourse with an unconscious woman was not rape.” Later, he made anecdotal claims about ROTC officers finding “female cadets [the] biggest danger” to their careers.
As an executive in veterans’ advocacy groups, Hegseth allegedly pursued female staffers and ignored serious accusations of misconduct, including attempted sexual assault by an employee.
In 2017, he was accused of sexually assaulting a staffer at a conservative conference. While law enforcement did not file charges, a rape kit confirmed the presence of semen, and witnesses confirmed that an intoxicated Hegseth was escorted back to his room by the woman. He later paid a settlement to the woman and required her and her husband to sign a nondisclosure agreement.
The dynamics of this case mirror the very issues that plague military sexual assault reform. Victim-blaming tactics by defense attorneys, law enforcement investigations that result in no charges, and settlements that silence survivors are all too common.
Risks to Reform
Having an individual with such a history and views in charge of the military’s sexual assault policies would set back years of progress.
It’s difficult to imagine that someone accused of sexual assault and who paid to settle the case could be trusted to lead the military’s efforts to combat sexual violence. Hegseth’s history of promoting rape denialism and misogynistic rhetoric further undermines any confidence in his ability to address these issues.
Moreover, his past advocacy for pardoning convicted war criminals like Clint Lorance and Matt Golsteyn demonstrates a disregard for accountability and the rule of law. His dismissive attitude toward women and identity politics suggests a worldview where gender and diversity are liabilities rather than strengths.
Under his leadership, policies designed to hold perpetrators accountable and support survivors would likely be weakened or dismantled. Senior leaders, officers, and enlisted personnel might find it easier to evade consequences for misconduct, while data on sexual assault could be manipulated or suppressed to protect the administration’s image.
National Security Implications
An approach to military sexual assault that ignores or marginalizes the experiences of female and LGBTQ+ servicemembers (those most at risk of sexual assault) undermines national security.
Misogynistic ideals and toxic masculinity do more to weaken the armed forces than diversity and inclusion ever could.
Hegseth’s leadership could result in a rollback of policies aimed at improving reporting and accountability for sexual assault, further alienating potential recruits. At a time when the military is already facing a recruiting crisis, such regressive policies could exacerbate the issue, leaving critical roles unfilled and weakening military readiness.
Additionally, the Trump administration’s past data manipulation raises concerns that sexual assault statistics could be concealed or downplayed under Hegseth’s tenure, further eroding trust within the ranks and among the public.
Bleak Outlook for Reform
While the full extent of Hegseth’s potential actions as Secretary of Defense remains speculative, his record of harmful rhetoric, allegations of misconduct, and opposition to inclusivity and accountability suggest a bleak future for military sexual assault reform.
Progress made in prosecuting cases, holding leaders accountable, and fostering a safer environment for servicemembers would likely be undone.
Under Hegseth, the military risks becoming a more toxic and unsafe place, particularly for women and LGBTQ+ personnel. For the sake of America’s armed forces and national security, his appointment must be opposed.
Alan Cunningham is a PhD student at the University of Birmingham.
He is a graduate of Norwich University and the University of Texas at Austin and is a sexual assault reform advocate.
The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of The Defense Post.
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