1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

Based on the context provided, it is deeply concerning that Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, was investigated in 2017 over an alleged sexual assault. While the Monterey police did not file charges, the details of the incident involving "contusions to right thigh" raise serious questions about Hegseth's conduct and judgment. Furthermore, Hegseth's controversial past statements calling a Marine charged with killing a homeless man an "American hero", advocating for purging the military of "woke" officials, opposing women in combat roles, and suggesting changing rules of war to benefit the US, demonstrate an alarming lack of moral clarity and ethical leadership needed at the highest levels of the military. Hegseth's qualifications are already being scrutinized, with members of both parties questioning his fitness to lead the Department of Defense as a former Army National Guard captain and Fox News commentator. His involvement in a sexual assault investigation only compounds concerns over his suitability for such a critical role overseeing the nation's military forces. In light of these grave concerns over Hegseth's history and extreme positions, I urge you to adamantly oppose his confirmation as Secretary of Defense. The American people and our brave service members deserve a defense leader of unimpeachable character and capability to ensure our national security. Hegseth's record demonstrates he is absolutely unqualified for this vital position of public trust.