Pete Hegseth Denies New Allegations Ahead of Confirmation; Second Wife Rejects Claims

Jan 21, 2025, 08:02 PM

Senators have received a sworn affidavit containing new allegations against Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Secretary of Defense, just hours before his confirmation vote. The affidavit, submitted by his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, claims that his behavior caused his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, to fear for her safety. According to the affidavit, Samantha allegedly had a "code word" and once hid in a closet to escape Hegseth's "erratic and aggressive behavior." However, Samantha Hegseth has denied these claims, stating, "There was no physical abuse in my marriage" and that she does not believe the information to be accurate. The Senate Armed Services Committee had previously greenlit Hegseth's nomination. Some Senators are dismissing the allegations as a last-minute smear campaign, and Hegseth has strongly denied the claims.