New Allegations Surface Against Pentagon Nominee Hegseth in Senate Circulation

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth faces renewed scrutiny following allegations of alcohol abuse and misconduct. The former Fox News host, endorsed by President Donald Trump, is under fire as new revelations emerge from a sworn affidavit filed by his ex-sister-in-law.

The affidavit claims that Hegseth’s behavior has caused fear for his second wife’s safety. It alleges he appeared intoxicated in uniform during a National Guard drill and had to be carried out of a Minneapolis strip club. Such allegations have added complexity to Hegseth’s confirmation status as he has faced multiple accusations of public drunkenness and sexual misconduct.

Senate Democrats have scrutinized Hegseth intensely, with Hegseth attributing these allegations to a smear campaign. “I’m not a perfect person… saved by the grace of God,” he remarked during his confirmation hearing, while his third wife, Jennifer Hegseth, stood by him. The couple resides in Tennessee.

Senator Jack Reed, the Democratic lead on the Senate Committee on Armed Services, voiced apprehensions about Hegseth’s capabilities. He highlighted the necessity for “serious oversight of the U.S. military and its leaders.” Reed claimed that testimony provided to the FBI by Hegseth’s former sister-in-law was missed during the committee’s background check process and urged her to recount her testimony to committee members.

Reed called for a thorough investigation, stating, “The sworn affidavit from this courageous woman… documents a disturbing pattern of abuse and misconduct by Mr. Hegseth.” Such behavior, he argued, should disqualify anyone from holding a leadership role in the military, particularly the Secretary of Defense position.

The FBI declined to comment on specific background checks, stating they do not discuss ongoing investigations.

Reports indicate that at least 15 senators, including Republicans, have reviewed the affidavit, originally reported by NBC News. Danielle Hegseth, Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, testified that his second wife created a safe word for emergencies due to fear of his behavior, which included hiding in a closet on one occasion.

Danielle also described an incident during a family gathering where Hegseth verbally attacked her while intoxicated. She recounted multiple inappropriate statements made by him, suggesting a troubling pattern of behavior.

Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s attorney, did not provide further comments following a request. At the same time, Parlatore previously stated that Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha, never alleged abuse and reaffirmed this during an FBI interview.

Samantha denied any allegations of physical abuse, emphasizing that she would refrain from further comments on the matter.

Despite the allegations, the Senate proceeded with a motion to advance Hegseth’s nomination with a 53-45 vote. Confirmation could occur as early as Thursday.

States Newsroom has reached out to the White House for comments regarding the ongoing situation.