WASHINGTON — Although Matt Gaetz has stepped back from his bid to become attorney general, President-elect Donald Trump has nominated several individuals for his Cabinet and key staff roles, many of whom have faced allegations of sexual misconduct.

Trump himself has been accused multiple times of mistreating women and previously admitted to inappropriate behavior, notably boasting about his actions in a recorded conversation. A jury in New York found him responsible for sexual abuse and defamation against E. Jean Carroll, ordering him to pay $83 million in damages.

The cumulative effect of these allegations surrounding Trump’s potential high-level administration officials raises significant concerns. All involved have refuted the claims against them, suggesting that many of these allegations are politically motivated.

This article provides an overview of the allegations surrounding some nominees:

Donald Trump
A jury in New York determined last year that Trump sexually abused E. Jean Carroll in 1996. The jury did not find enough evidence to support Carroll’s claim of rape but found Trump liable for a lesser degree of sexual abuse and for defaming Carroll regarding her claims. Trump was notably absent during the civil trial and verdict announcement.

Carroll is among numerous women who have leveled accusations of sexual assault or harassment against Trump. In a 2019 memoir, she alleged that Trump raped her in a high-end department store dressing room, which he has strongly denied, claiming he never met her and calling her accusations false and fabricated.

Pete Hegseth, nominee for Secretary of Defense
Allegations surfaced that Hegseth sexually assaulted a woman in 2017 after an event in California. She reported that he took her phone, blocked the door of a hotel room, and refused her exit. Hegseth maintained that this encounter was consensual, denying any wrongdoing.

Responses from local officials confirmed the investigation, but no charges were filed. Hegseth’s attorney stated that a financial settlement was reached with the woman to avoid potential lawsuits that could jeopardize his position at Fox News.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services
A former babysitter for Kennedy’s children claimed he groped her in the late 1990s, an accusation Kennedy acknowledged by referencing his “rambunctious youth.” After the news broke, he sent her an apology via text message.

In a recent interview, the woman recounted uncomfortable encounters, including inappropriate touches and requests for lotion application, leading her to leave the babysitting job after a few months.

Linda McMahon, nominee for Secretary of Education
A recent lawsuit claims McMahon enabled sexual exploitation of minors in the 1980s by a WWE employee. The lawsuit was filed in Maryland after changes to state law allowed victims to pursue old claims regardless of the time elapsed.

The complaint details how Melvin Phillips, an employee who passed away in 2012, allegedly groomed young men to exploit them sexually. McMahon denies the allegations, claiming they are based on false representations and stating that previous investigations found no grounds for the claims against her.

Elon Musk, nominated to lead the new Department of Government Efficiency
Musk faced accusations that he had engaged in sexual misconduct with a SpaceX flight attendant in 2016. The allegation was denied by Musk, who claimed it was part of a smear campaign against him after he announced political intentions.

Reports suggested SpaceX paid the attendant a sum to prevent her from pursuing legal action, implicating her in a non-disclosure agreement that prohibits her from discussing the incident.

Matt Gaetz, who stepped back from his attorney general nomination
Former Florida Congressman Gaetz was under investigation for sex trafficking when he was selected for a Cabinet position. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing amidst numerous allegations of misconduct. Gaetz withdrew his nomination shortly after leaving Congress.

Reports indicate that federal investigators looked into Gaetz’s trip to the Bahamas with individuals linked to his campaign, scrutinizing whether he provided gifts or payments for sexual favors. Two women have publicly stated they were compensated for sex by Gaetz, with one claiming to have witnessed him with an underage girl, prompting further inquiries by the House Ethics Committee.