Pete Hegseth Faces Serious Allegations of Abuse and Misconduct
(Andrew Harnik / Associated Press)
Former Fox News host and President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is facing allegations of volatile and threatening behavior, according to an affidavit released Tuesday. The claims, revealed by NBC News, were made by Danielle Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, as part of a request for testimony regarding his suitability for the role.
The affidavit alleges that Hegseth’s behavior caused his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, to “fear for her safety,” and describes “volatile and threatening conduct” by the nominee. Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who had requested the affidavit, expressed grave concerns over the allegations.
“As I have said for months, the reports of Mr. Hegseth’s history of alleged sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and public misconduct necessitate an exhaustive background investigation,” Reed stated. “The alleged pattern of abuse and misconduct by Mr. Hegseth is disturbing. This behavior would disqualify any service member from holding any leadership position in the military, much less being confirmed as the Secretary of Defense.”
The affidavit, which NBC News described as redacted, was submitted by Danielle Hegseth, who claimed she came forward despite personal risks. “I am deeply concerned by what Hegseth’s confirmation would mean for our military and our country,” she wrote. She also indicated that her statement was made public to sway undecided senators against confirming Hegseth.
However, Samantha Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s former wife, did not confirm the allegations. In a brief statement, she said, “There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you. I have let you know that I am not speaking and will not speak about my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.”
Pete Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the allegations as politically motivated attacks. “Sam has never alleged that there was any abuse,” Parlatore said in a statement. “She signed court documents acknowledging that there was no abuse and recently reaffirmed the same during her FBI interview. Belated claims by Danielle Dietrich, an anti-Trump far-left Democrat who is divorced from Mr. Hegseth’s brother and never got along with the Hegseth family, do nothing to change that.”
The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination underscores broader concerns about vetting processes for high-level government appointees and raises questions about how allegations of personal misconduct should be weighed against professional qualifications.
