Official statement from the Senate Armed Services Committee or reputable news outlets

FBI Probes Pete Hegseth's Personal Life Ahead of Defense Secretary Confirmation Hearing

Jan 13, 2025, 02:28 PM

The FBI has conducted interviews with multiple individuals regarding the personal life of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, as part of a background check investigation, sources say. The investigation has focused on Hegseth's alleged extramarital affairs, his relationship with alcohol, and his character. Hegseth has denied allegations of sexual assault from a 2017 incident, stating the encounter was consensual, and no charges were filed. He has acknowledged paying a settlement to his accuser, claiming it was to prevent a baseless lawsuit. Hegseth has also admitted to multiple instances of infidelity. The FBI's findings have been shared with the top Senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee, Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Jack Reed, ahead of Hegseth's confirmation hearing scheduled for Tuesday. Hegseth's nomination has stirred controversy due to his past behavior and public statements, with some senators expressing concerns about his suitability for the role. Despite these issues, Hegseth has garnered support from some veterans' groups and Republican lawmakers, who believe he will focus on improving military readiness.