Conservative radio host Ben Ferguson sharply criticized liberal activist Francesca Fiorentini after she accused President-elect Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, of rape during an appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored. Fiorentini’s comments referenced a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth, which was settled out of court in 2020. Hegseth has consistently denied the allegations, with his attorney stating the settlement was made to protect his career at Fox News.
Fiorentini made the inflammatory remarks while discussing Hegseth’s nomination. “Just like the U.S. military, Pete Hegseth doesn’t practice consent, you know, when raping and pillaging other people,” she said. “And I think the U.S. military does the same thing. They rape and pillage other countries.”
Ferguson immediately condemned her statements. “God, you’re a disgusting human being. I hope he sues you for this. I really do. I hope he sues you for libel and defamation,” Ferguson said. “You are a disgusting person to say that about someone when you know nothing about it. It’s disgusting that you just go on TV and have no accountability for calling someone a rapist. You are a sick person.”
The 2017 allegation against Hegseth stemmed from a woman who claimed she did not recall details of how she ended up in a hotel room with him after a night out. Witnesses reported she did not appear intoxicated, and no evidence suggested she was drugged. Hegseth’s attorney has maintained the encounter was consensual and characterized the allegations as an attempt at blackmail.
Hegseth’s nomination has faced significant challenges. CNN senior data reporter Harry Enten noted that betting odds for his confirmation are lower than those for Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) before Gaetz withdrew from consideration for attorney general. “It would take a minor miracle, a mini Hail Mary, to, in fact, be confirmed by the United States Senate,” Enten said. “Chances are this dude is not going to get confirmed as the next defense secretary.”
The controversy highlights the ongoing political battles surrounding Trump’s cabinet picks, with sharp divisions emerging over qualifications and past allegations. Hegseth’s fate as defense secretary remains uncertain, but the fiery exchange has further underscored the contentious nature of his nomination.
