‘He raped her’: CBS host slams GOP senator over Pete Hegseth’s sexual assault claims

CBS News host Margaret Brennan pressed Sen. John John Barrasso (R-WY) on whether he would vote to confirm former Fox News host Pete Hegseth as defense secretary in light of the sexual assault allegations against him.

In a Sunday interview with Challenge the NationBrennan asked Barrasso whether Hegseth had the qualities to lead the Pentagon under President-elect Donald Trump.

“Well, he certainly has the qualities we need to lead the Pentagon,” the senator insisted. “He knows about the appropriate fighting forces. I think he’s very qualified.”

Brennan pressed Barrasso allegations of sexual assault against Hegseth.

“Well, your colleague, Senator Joni Ernst, who is a survivor of sexual assault herself, said last month that she wants the FBI to verify the allegations against Mr. Hegseth, made by an accuser who claimed he raped her.” the CBS host noted. “He denies any assault.”

“She maintains it was consensual sex, despite her filing a police report,” she added. “She also asked for the committee’s results to be presented.”

“Is this FBI review shared with members of the Armed Services Committee?”

Barrasso praised Ernst but did not address the sexual assault allegations against Hegseth.

“He will ask additional questions at the hearing on Tuesday and will ultimately make a decision,” the senator insisted.

“Do you prefer that the details of this sexual assault be revealed at a public hearing, or do you support details of the private investigation being released to Members at the discretion of the Speaker?” Brennan wondered.

“Well, that decision will be made by the president and I support him,” Barrasso replied. “I support Pete Hegseth too.”