Senator Reveals Details of New Batch of Allegations Against Pete Hegseth: Report

During Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, concerns arose over omissions in his FBI background check, particularly regarding interviews with key individuals who could address allegations against him. On Tuesday, the Senate Armed Services Committee received an affidavit from Danielle Dietrich, Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, alleging abusive behavior by Hegseth toward his second wife, Samantha Deering. The affidavit detailed fears for Deering’s safety, alcohol abuse, and volatile behavior, including a need for an “escape plan” and instances of hiding out of fear, reports RollingStone.com.

Dietrich also described incidents of public intoxication, including one where Hegseth, in military uniform, was carried out of a strip club during a National Guard drill weekend. Additional allegations included his opposition to women’s rights and disparagement of Muslims. Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) noted inconsistencies in Hegseth’s background check and highlighted the affidavit’s details.

Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the claims as partisan and unreliable, pointing to statements from Deering denying abuse and criticizing Dietrich’s credibility. Deering reiterated her refusal to comment further on the matter. Parlatore urged Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker to disregard the allegations, framing them as a politically motivated attempt to derail the nomination.