Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, faces fresh allegations of abuse and misconduct from his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. In a signed affidavit presented to senators, Danielle accused Hegseth of abusing his second ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, to the extent that she once hid in a closet and devised a safety plan involving a code word for emergencies. The allegations, dated Jan. 21, also include claims of alcohol abuse and offensive remarks, including a comment in 2013 suggesting men do not need sexual consent from women.
Hegseth has denied all allegations, and Samantha Hegseth stated in an NBC News report that there was no physical abuse during their marriage. A 2021 Minnesota court filing signed by both Pete and Samantha Hegseth corroborated this, noting no evidence of physical abuse. Despite these denials, Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, called for a thorough background investigation, citing concerns over Hegseth’s alleged behavior and its implications for his suitability as a military leader.
The Senate is set to vote on Hegseth’s confirmation, with the Republican majority unable to afford more than three defections if Democrats and independents unite in opposition. Hegseth has also faced scrutiny over a 2017 sexual assault allegation, accusations of excessive drinking, and financial mismanagement at veterans’ organizations. While he has vowed to abstain from alcohol if confirmed and acknowledged some past financial errors, Democrats argue the pattern of alleged misconduct disqualifies him from leading the Pentagon.
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