Additional Coverage:
Washington D.C. – Pete Hegseth, President Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, is facing serious allegations from his former sister-in-law, just days before the Senate is set to vote on his nomination. The Senate Armed Services Committee recently approved his nomination, split along party lines.
Danielle Hegseth claims in a sworn affidavit that Hegseth frequently engaged in alcohol-fueled rages, frightened his ex-wife, and made sexist and racist remarks. She submitted these claims to both the FBI and the Armed Services Committee.
The affidavit alleges Hegseth’s second wife once hid in a closet, fearing for her safety, and established a code word with Danielle to signal when she felt threatened. Danielle also claims to have witnessed Hegseth drunk on multiple occasions, including one incident where he was reportedly removed from a bar for disruptive behavior and made inappropriate comments about sexual consent.
Other alleged incidents include Hegseth being escorted from a strip club while drunk and in uniform, and making disparaging remarks about Hispanics and Muslims. Danielle states she did not personally witness any abuse, and that these events occurred roughly a decade ago.
Hegseth’s lawyer denies the allegations, calling them false and pointing to court documents that show no physical abuse in Hegseth’s marriage. The lawyer claims Danielle is a Trump opponent with a vendetta against the Hegseth family.
Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, is calling for a more thorough investigation into Hegseth’s background in light of these allegations. He expressed concern that the current background check was insufficient.
Hegseth, a former Fox News host and military veteran with no government experience, has been a controversial choice. His criticisms of the Pentagon’s diversity initiatives align with Trump’s views.
Hegseth has also faced scrutiny over a 2017 sexual assault allegation, where a woman claimed he blocked her exit from a hotel room and knocked away her phone. Additionally, reports of Hegseth being intoxicated at work, both at Fox News and the Concerned Veterans of America, have surfaced. One report suggests his drinking led to his dismissal from the veterans’ organization.