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• Pete Hegseth’s nomination for Defense Secretary faces new scrutiny after his ex-sister-in-law filed an affidavit alleging he was abusive to his second wife.
• The allegations include claims of repeated drunkenness and a domestic situation where his wife feared for her safety.
• Hegseth and his ex-wife deny the allegations, but the affidavit raises significant concerns about his fitness for the role.

Quick Brief

2-Minute Digest

Essential Context

Pete Hegseth, a former Fox News host and nominee for Defense Secretary, is under intense scrutiny following an affidavit from his ex-sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. The affidavit alleges that Hegseth was abusive to his second wife, Samantha, and details a history of erratic and aggressive behavior.

Core Players

• Pete Hegseth – Nominee for Defense Secretary, former Fox News host
• Danielle Hegseth – Pete Hegseth’s ex-sister-in-law, filed the affidavit
• Samantha Hegseth – Pete Hegseth’s second wife, denies physical abuse
• Sen. Jack Reed – Ranking Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee
• Tim Parlatore – Attorney for Pete Hegseth

Key Numbers

• 2010-2018: Years of Pete Hegseth’s marriage to Samantha Hegseth
• 3: Number of children from the marriage
• 2015-2016: Time frame when Samantha Hegseth used a safe word to indicate danger
• 2021: Year Pete and Samantha Hegseth signed a Minnesota court document denying domestic abuse

Full Depth

Complete Coverage

The Catalyst

The affidavit, submitted by Danielle Hegseth in response to a request from Sen. Jack Reed, details her concerns about Pete Hegseth’s behavior towards his second wife. She described instances where Samantha Hegseth feared for her safety and had to use a safe word to signal help.

“I have chosen to come forward publicly, at significant personal sacrifice, because I am deeply concerned by what Hegseth’s confirmation would mean for our military and our country,” Danielle Hegseth stated.

Inside Forces

The allegations have sparked a heated debate within the Senate. Republican leaders have expressed doubts that the new allegations will change the votes of support they are lining up for Hegseth. The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced his nomination despite initial skepticism.

Sen. Jack Reed emphasized the need for an exhaustive background investigation, citing concerns about the adequacy of the current background check process.

Power Dynamics

Pete Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, vehemently denied the allegations, calling them “belated claims” by an ex-relative with “an axe to grind against the entire Hegseth family.” Parlatore highlighted that Samantha Hegseth never alleged abuse and reaffirmed this during her FBI interview.

The dynamics between the Hegseth family and Danielle Hegseth are complicated, with Parlatore suggesting she has a history of conflict with the family.

Outside Impact

The broader implications of these allegations extend beyond the nomination process. If confirmed, Hegseth would lead the Defense Department, a role that requires high ethical and moral standards.

Consumer and advocacy groups are watching the developments closely, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the military and the country.

Future Forces

The Senate is expected to take up Hegseth’s nomination soon. The outcome remains uncertain, but the new allegations could potentially sway some senators who are still undecided.

Key areas to watch include how the Senate Armed Services Committee handles the new information and whether it will alter the trajectory of Hegseth’s nomination.

Data Points

• Dec. 30, 2024: Date Danielle Hegseth detailed the allegations to an FBI agent.
• Jan. 18, 2025: Sen. Jack Reed requested Danielle Hegseth’s statement.
• Jan. 21, 2025: Affidavit was submitted to the Senate.
• 2021: Year Pete and Samantha Hegseth divorced and signed court documents denying domestic abuse.