1. United States
2. La.
3. Letter

Dear Senator [Last Name], I am writing to express my profound concern regarding the nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. As a survivor of multiple sexual assaults, I find this nomination deeply troubling, given Mr. Hegseth's documented history of sexual misconduct and financial impropriety. In 2017, Mr. Hegseth was accused of sexually assaulting a woman in Monterey, California. The police report details that he allegedly took the woman's phone, prevented her from leaving his hotel room, and engaged in non-consensual sexual activity. Although no criminal charges were filed, Mr. Hegseth paid a settlement to the accuser, which raises serious concerns about his conduct. Furthermore, during his tenure at Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, Mr. Hegseth faced allegations of financial mismanagement and creating a hostile work environment for female employees. Reports indicate that he and his team categorized female staffers as "party girls" and "not party girls," leading to a culture of sexual pursuit and alleged assault. This nomination is part of a concerning pattern within the current administration. President Donald Trump has been found liable for sexual abuse and defamation in a civil case involving E. Jean Carroll. Additionally, other cabinet nominees, such as Matt Gaetz, have faced serious allegations of sexual misconduct. According to the National Sexual Violence Resource Center, one in five women in the United States has experienced completed or attempted rape during her lifetime. Appointing individuals with histories of sexual misconduct to high-ranking government positions not only undermines the integrity of our institutions but also perpetuates a culture that excuses and enables such behavior. Mr. Hegseth's reported promise to quit drinking if nominated does little to address the core issues of his alleged behavior. Abstaining from alcohol does not rectify past misconduct nor does it guarantee respectful and lawful conduct in the future. As a survivor, I look to my elected representatives to uphold the highest ethical standards in government appointments. Confirming Mr. Hegseth would send a distressing message to survivors and all Americans about the values we uphold. I urge you to oppose Pete Hegseth's nomination for Secretary of Defense and to advocate for leaders who embody integrity, respect, and a commitment to justice. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.