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Danielle Hegseth Alleges Pete Hegseth's Abusive Behavior Toward Samantha Hegseth in Senate Affidavit

Jan 21, 2025, 10:19 PM

Senators received an affidavit from Danielle Hegseth, the former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of defense, alleging that Hegseth's behavior caused his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, to fear for her safety. The affidavit, submitted in response to a Jan. 18 letter from Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., details allegations of Hegseth's erratic and aggressive behavior, including an instance where Samantha Hegseth reportedly hid in a closet out of fear. Danielle Hegseth also claims that Samantha had a safe word to alert others if she felt threatened by Hegseth. However, Samantha Hegseth has denied the allegations of physical abuse in her marriage to Pete Hegseth, stating that there was no physical abuse. Pete Hegseth's attorney, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the allegations as unfounded, pointing out that Samantha Hegseth had signed court documents acknowledging no abuse and reiterated this during an FBI interview. The affidavit's release comes as the Senate Armed Services Committee has advanced Hegseth's nomination to a full Senate vote, with a confirmation vote expected as early as Thursday. Democrats have expressed concerns over the allegations and the adequacy of the background check process.