Fox News Contributor Condemns Pete Hegseth’s Allegations

Fox News co-worker Leslie Marshall reacted sharply Pete HegsethPresident-elect Donald Trumpelection as defense secretary, on Sunday after details of the sexual assault allegation against him have been made public.

But Marshall first took aim at former Fox News host Hegseth alleged history of infidelitya crime under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

“With all due respect to my former colleague, we know that Pete Hegseth had three counts of adultery and that is significant.” Marshall said on Fox News’ “MediaBuzz.” “And the reason this is significant is because Article 134 of the UCMJ deals with adultery against the military, of which the Department of Defense is a part. You can’t lead an entire organization and all these people if you can’t lead by example to even one person.”

Marshall, who stated that she is a rape victim, then addressed in detail the sexual assault allegation that had recently become public.

“It’s very difficult for a woman to come and do a rape kit. It is very difficult physically, mentally and emotionally to go through this process as I did,” Marshall said. “Someone doesn’t go to the hospital and have it done. And I must say that I, as a woman and a victim, believe victims and this is a problem for me. …And also, while Pete has had an incredible military career, he doesn’t have the kind of leadership career in the military that I think the Department of Defense needs as a chief.”

Meanwhile, Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) dismissed the charge as a potential springboard for Sunday’s “This Week” on ABC News.

“These are all… allegations,” Hagerty said.

“Don’t let these allegations distract us. We need real, meaningful change. For the past four years, the Pentagon has focused more on pronouns than mortality. We need to get back to business and I think Pete is the right person to do that.”

Hagerty’s position aligns with the views of many Republicanswho chose not to speak publicly against Trump’s controversial cabinet choices.

Alleged robbery took place in 2017 in Monterey, California. Hegseth, through his lawyer, denied the allegations.

Trump’s communications director, Steven Cheung, indicated that the allegation would have no impact on Hegseth’s position.

“Mr. Hegseth has vehemently denied all allegations and no charges have been filed. We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense so that he can begin the work of Making America Safe and Great Again on day one,” Cheung previously told HuffPost.

Hegseth has never held a senior military position and has made many controversial comments, including: arguing that women should not be allowed in combat roles in the army and demanding pardon for alleged war criminals. It also has tattoo sometimes associated with extremism.