Senators Review Affidavit Alleging Pete Hegseth's Behavior Caused Second Wife to Fear for Safety; Samantha Hegseth Denies Abuse

Jan 21, 2025, 09:02 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, which was provided in response to a request from Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, details allegations of volatile and threatening conduct by Hegseth. Samantha Hegseth, however, has denied any physical abuse in her marriage to Hegseth. Pete Hegseth, through his attorney Tim Parlatore, has denied the allegations, describing them as belated claims from someone with a personal vendetta against the Hegseth family. The affidavit comes as Hegseth's nomination is set to be considered by the full Senate, following its advancement from the Senate Armed Services Committee along party lines.