Verified media interviews or public statements by Samantha Hegseth

Senators Receive Affidavit Alleging Pete Hegseth's Behavior Caused Samantha Hegseth to Fear for Safety; No Physical Abuse, Says Ex-Wife

Jan 21, 2025, 10:15 PM

Senators have 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 claims that Samantha Hegseth once hid in a closet from Hegseth and had a safe word to use if she needed to escape. Danielle Hegseth also alleges that Pete Hegseth exhibited erratic and aggressive behavior over many years, including instances of heavy drinking. However, Samantha Hegseth has denied any physical abuse in her marriage to Pete Hegseth, stating there was no physical abuse in court documents. Pete Hegseth's attorney, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the allegations as false and politically motivated. The affidavit was submitted in response to a request from Sen. Jack Reed, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, who expressed concerns about the thoroughness of Hegseth's background investigation. The Senate Armed Services Committee has already voted to advance Hegseth's nomination to the full Senate, with a confirmation vote expected soon.