Trump team backs Fox News host for Pentagon head despite sex misconduct allegation: report

President-elect Donald Trump's team on Thursday night stood by his pick of a Fox News host for the next Pentagon chief despite an allegation of sexual misconduct.

Trump tapped Fox & Friends co-host Pete Hegseth to be his defense secretary, a decision that sent shockwaves through the political world this week.

But Vanity Fair reported Thursday night that his incoming chief of staff, Susie Wiles, was forced to scramble after learning of a sexual misconduct allegation.

The outlet reported, citing two anonymous sources, that Wiles learned about a 2017 incident on Wednesday night in which Hegseth was accused of acting inappropriately with a woman. A transition source told the publication Wiles and Trump's lawyers spoke with Hegseth about the allegation on Thursday, and that Hegseth claimed the encounter was consensual.

ALSO READ: Why Trump voters should be held accountable for their choice

Hegseth’s lawyer Timothy Parlatore told Vanity Fair the allegation was "already investigated by the Monterey police department and they found no evidence for it.”

Trump’s communications director Stevan Cheung doubled down on Trump's selection, telling the outlet that "Trump is nominating high-caliber and extremely qualified candidates to serve in his Administration."

"Mr. Hegseth has vigorously denied any and all accusations, and no charges were filed. We look forward to his confirmation as United States Secretary of Defense so he can get started on Day One to Make America Safe and Great Again," said Cheung.

The news comes after Hegseth already faces intense scrutiny over his background. He is an Army combat veteran who served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. He holds two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service, as well as a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University and a Master's degree in public policy from Harvard University.

Even so, critics have called him an "unserious" pick for the position.

At least 26 women have also accused Donald Trump of sexual misconduct, including assault, since the 1970s.