Hegseth’s Ex-Sister-in-Law Alleges Abuse Towards Second Wife

Allegations Surface Against Pete Hegseth as Senate Reviews Secretary of Defense Nomination

In a significant development regarding the confirmation of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense, a former sister-in-law has submitted a sworn affidavit accusing him of abuse and erratic behavior that raised serious concerns about his fitness for the position. The statements, revealed on Tuesday, have emerged at a critical time as Senate Republicans push for Hegseth’s expedited confirmation amidst mounting scrutiny.

The affidavit, provided by Danielle Diettrich Hegseth—who was previously married to Hegseth’s brother—details alarming claims about Hegseth’s treatment of his second wife, Samantha Hegseth. Danielle alleged that Samantha once hid in a closet to escape from Hegseth during what she described as an abusive episode. Furthermore, she indicated that Samantha had a safe word, which she could use to signal Danielle and another confidante if she was in danger and needed assistance.

Senators were reportedly weighing the implications of the affidavit in a closed-door meeting, raising potential concerns among Republican lawmakers about the validity of Hegseth’s nomination. Several members of the party, privy to the allegations in recent days, have expressed misgivings, indicating that these revelations might jeopardize the support needed to secure Hegseth’s confirmation.

Danielle’s affidavit claimed that Hegseth exhibits “erratic and aggressive” behavior, which left his second wife fearing for her safety. She also described instances in which Hegseth drank excessively, recalling a particular incident where he was inebriated while wearing his military uniform. These allegations add to the scrutiny surrounding Hegseth, who has faced a series of accusations in the past, including claims of sexual assault and public intoxication.

In her submission, Danielle Hegseth conveyed to Congress that she had previously reported her concerns to the FBI and felt compelled to provide her testimony in the hopes of dissuading Republican senators from backing Hegseth’s nomination. She emphasized that her aim was to influence members who might be undecided, highlighting the urgency of her statement in the context of the ongoing confirmation process. Senator Jack Reed, the highest-ranking Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, has echoed her sentiments, expressing that the allegations detailed in the affidavit are disqualifying and indicative of a failure in the FBI’s background check on Hegseth.

While Hegseth’s lawyer has vigorously denied the allegations—asserting that the charges are politically motivated and claiming that Samantha Hegseth has never accused her ex-husband of domestic abuse—many remain skeptical. A family court judge had noted in a 2021 ruling that neither Pete nor Samantha claimed to be victims of domestic abuse, acknowledging that no evidence existed to indicate probable cause for such claims. Nonetheless, the new affidavit represents the first time a family member has publicly raised concerns about Hegseth’s conduct.

Efforts to confirm Hegseth are further complicated by his past. He has previously settled a lawsuit with a woman who accused him of sexual assault—a claim he has vehemently denied—and has faced allegations of financial impropriety and drunkenness. Hegseth’s swift nomination process had already garnered criticism due to these unresolved accusations, and the recent revelations threaten to derail Republican efforts to expedite his confirmation.

Amidst the mounting controversies, Hegseth maintains his innocence. During his confirmation hearing, he categorically denied ever engaging in physical violence against any of his spouses. When pressed by Senator Tim Kaine about whether physical violence should disqualify a nominee, Hegseth did not respond directly, instead labeling the allegations as “anonymous smears.”

Despite his denial, the substance of the allegations remains serious. Danielle Hegseth’s affidavit recounts episodes of Hegseth’s purported drunkenness and aggressive behavior, including one incident in 2009 where he was described as yelling at her aggressively while in uniform after she raised concerns about his racially charged comments.

As it stands, the Senate’s decision rests on conflicting accounts. While Hegseth’s nomination cleared a preliminary hurdle, he cannot afford to lose more than three GOP votes in a Senate where Democrats are poised to oppose him en masse. Thus, the veracity of the allegations presented by Danielle Hegseth may play a crucial role in shaping the outcome of his confirmation.

The unfolding situation highlights the complex intersection of personal conduct and political ambition, raising significant questions about Hegseth’s suitability to lead the Pentagon. In a climate already fraught with political tensions, the weight of these allegations could prove decisive as the Senate considers his nomination amidst high public scrutiny.