Pete Hegseth Faces Abuse Allegations Ahead of Crucial Senate Vote—Ex-Wife Denies Claims
Allegations of abuse involving defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth surfaced Tuesday, just days before his expected confirmation by the Senate.
The claims were brought forward in an affidavit submitted by Danielle Dietrich, Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, in response to a request from Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed (D), the ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee. Breitbart News reports that Dietrich’s affidavit accuses Hegseth of behavior that allegedly caused his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, to fear for her safety.
The document describes claims of volatile and threatening conduct, including allegations that Samantha once hid in a closet from Hegseth, developed escape plans to flee in case of danger and activated one of these plans during their marriage. These claims were made as part of Reed’s request for details about any “instances of abuse or threats of abuse.”
Samantha Hegseth has strongly denied the allegations.
In an email to NBC News, which first reported the affidavit, she stated, “There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you.”
“I have let you know that I am not speaking and will not speak on my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.”
Samantha also mentioned she has involved her lawyer in the matter.
The accusations have emerged in a politically charged atmosphere, drawing sharp criticism from Republican leaders and Hegseth’s allies.
Montana Sen. Tim Sheehy (R), a strong supporter of Hegseth, dismissed the claims in an X post, calling them a “desperate, last-minute attempt by Democrats and the media to smear Pete Hegseth and tank his nomination.”
Vice President JD Vance also weighed in, calling the media’s reporting of the claims a “disgrace.”
Vance emphasized Samantha Hegseth’s denial, stating, “This is a story about Hegseth’s ex-wife, who herself said the story is a lie. ‘Journalism’ like this is a disgrace and is why the corporate media has lost its relevance.”
Donald Trump Jr. and other conservatives criticized NBC News for allegedly downplaying Samantha’s denial in their coverage. Trump Jr. accused the outlet of prioritizing a negative narrative over facts, tweeting, “Notice how this ‘reporter’ doesn’t include in her tweet the most important part of their failed hit piece: That Hegseth’s ex-wife is ON THE RECORD denying these claims.”
The allegations have reportedly been reviewed as part of an FBI background investigation into Hegseth, which concluded without any significant findings. According to a report from Punchbowl News, the investigation was described as “unremarkable.”
Supporters of Hegseth argue that the claims are politically motivated. Dietrich admitted in an interview with NBC News that her decision to come forward was influenced by assurances that her statement would sway undecided senators against confirming Hegseth.
“But for that assurance, I would not subject myself or others referred to in this statement to the public scrutiny this statement is likely to cause,” she said.
Reed, however, expressed concerns about Hegseth’s fitness for the role. In a statement Tuesday, he cited “an alleged pattern of abuse and misconduct” as potentially disqualifying.
Reed added that these allegations underscore the need for an exhaustive background investigation.
The Senate Armed Services Committee has yet to announce any delay in Hegseth’s confirmation vote.
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