Ex-Sister-In-Law’s Affidavit Accuses Defense Nominee Hegseth of Threatening Behavior
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Senate Armed Services Committee staffers have been examining an affidavit from the former sister-in-law of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, in which she claims Hegseth’s behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety. The affidavit contains allegations of volatile and threatening conduct, and says his second wife had developed escape plans. In response, Pete Hegseth and his second wife Samantha both deny the claims, with Samantha stating there was no physical abuse during their marriage, and Pete’s lawyer dismissing the allegations as false, stemming from a family member with a grudge against the Hegseth family.
Unsettling Allegations Against Defense Secretary Nominee Pete Hegseth
On Tuesday, senators received an affidavit from the ex-sister-in-law of Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, Danielle Hegseth, revealing a pattern of behavior that allegedly made his second wife fear for her safety. This comes after Senate Armed Services Committee staffers interacted with Danielle for several days.
Contributing the affidavit in response to Senator Jack Reed’s request for a personal knowledge statement on Hegseth’s suitability for the role, Danielle detailed allegations of abusive conduct. Reed expressed his concern about the alleged history of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and public misconduct by Hegseth.
The affidavit outlines allegations of Hegseth’s volatile and threatening behavior towards his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, including instances where she hid from him in fear and developed escape plans. At least 15 senators have reviewed the affidavit as of 2:30 p.m. ET.
Read more about the ongoing developments on our live politics coverage.
Questions were raised to Samantha about the allegations, to which she declined to comment. A lawyer for Pete, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the allegations, citing no evidence of any abuse.
In the affidavit, Danielle detailed her experiences and observations of Pete’s erratic and aggressive behavior, leading her to believe he has an alcohol abuse problem and was abusive to Samantha. A person with indirect knowledge confirmed to committee staffers about Samantha’s alleged escape plans.
Danielle further reveals in her affidavit that she has witnessed Hegseth’s emotional abuse and heavy alcohol consumption on certain occasions. She also refers to instances where he made misogynistic comments.
Affidavit allegations raise fresh concerns about Hegseth’s drinking habits and the extent of FBI’s background check.
The Armed Services Committee passed Hegseth’s nomination to the full Senate following a vote along party lines. The nomination will face Senate voting as early as Thursday, requiring a simple majority for confirmation.
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