The Trump transition team is grappling with a major internal crisis as questions swirl over the identity of a leaker who allegedly provided damaging information about Pete Hegseth, the President-elect’s pick for Defense Secretary. Vanity Fair published a report Thursday evening claiming that Hegseth is facing a sexual misconduct allegation, citing two sources within the transition team.
The allegation reportedly came to light during a briefing for Susie Wiles, Trump’s newly appointed Chief of Staff. According to the Vanity Fair report, Wiles was informed on Wednesday night about an incident involving Hegseth that allegedly occurred in Monterey, California, in 2017.
This revelation has sent shockwaves through Trump’s camp, which prides itself on loyalty and discretion. “We are taking this matter very seriously and conducting a full internal review,” a senior transition official said Friday.
Hegseth, a former Fox News personality and outspoken Trump supporter, has categorically denied the allegations. In a statement, he called the claims “baseless” and suggested they are politically motivated.
The leak has intensified scrutiny on Wiles, who has only recently assumed her role as Chief of Staff. Wiles, a seasoned political operative, is tasked with managing a smooth transition but now finds herself in the crosshairs of an escalating internal conflict.
“Susie Wiles is committed to ensuring transparency and integrity throughout the transition process,” her spokesperson said. “She will not be distracted by attempts to undermine this administration.”
The Vanity Fair report has also sparked speculation about the leaker’s identity. Transition insiders are pointing fingers, with some accusing disgruntled staffers who were sidelined after the election.
“This is a classic case of sour grapes,” one Trump ally said. “Someone clearly has an ax to grind and is willing to undermine the entire team to do it.”
Others believe the leak could be part of a broader effort to derail Trump’s cabinet nominations. Hegseth’s appointment has already faced resistance from some Senate Republicans, who have expressed concerns about his controversial views on military policy.
The fallout from the leak has led to calls for tighter security measures within the transition team. “We need to identify the leaker and make an example of them,” another senior official said. “This kind of betrayal cannot be tolerated.”
Despite the controversy, Trump appears to be standing by Hegseth. In a post on his social media platform, the President-elect described Hegseth as a “great American patriot” and dismissed the allegations as “fake news.”
The leaker’s motives remain unclear, but the impact on Trump’s transition efforts is undeniable. The team is now under immense pressure to control the narrative and prevent further leaks.
Political analysts say the incident could undermine public confidence in Trump’s ability to assemble a cohesive administration. “This kind of infighting is exactly what the President-elect doesn’t need right now,” said one analyst.
With the spotlight on Wiles and her handling of the situation, her leadership will likely define the transition team’s response. Meanwhile, the hunt for the leaker continues, with insiders bracing for further revelations.
As the Trump team works to restore order, the leaker saga has become an unwelcome distraction, threatening to overshadow the President-elect’s agenda before he even takes office.
