Senate Republicans are standing by Pete Hegseth after his former sister-in-law brought forward new allegations about abusive behavior. President Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Defense has faced multiple accusations both on the record and anonymously, which have slowed his confirmation.
“I’ve known Pete for a long time. He’ll do a great job,” Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., said. “This is just the Democrats doing what they’re doing. They’re obstructing Trump putting together a team.”
The Senate received an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law on Tuesday, Jan. 21. The affidavit said his second wife, Samantha, feared for her safety due to threatening conduct.
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The affidavit also claimed Samantha Hegseth had a code word she could text family members if she felt she needed to get away from him.
The information was first reported by NBC News.
Hegseth has denied all allegations against him. Samantha Hegseth told the outlet in a statement, “I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have cc’d my lawyer.”
“There was no physical abuse in my marriage,” she said.
“I’ve seen this movie before. I saw it in the Kavanaugh hearings,” Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said. “The author of the affidavit submitted the affidavit and said she wouldn’t take questions. I noticed that she didn’t present herself at the hearing to be examined.”
Senate Democrats do not believe Hegseth should lead the U.S. military. Democrats have, so far, unanimously come out against his nomination.
“This guy is clearly not qualified,” Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., said.
“The affidavit’s recounting of facts and instances is very consistent with other things that caused me concern,” Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., is growing frustrated with Democrats delaying the confirmation of multiple nominees. He threatened to keep the chamber in session Saturday, Jan. 25, and Sunday, Jan 26, if that’s what it takes to get Trump’s cabinet nominees in place.
