Leading senators on the Armed Services Committee are backing President Donald Trump’s defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, pushing aside what he calls “anonymous sources with ulterior motives” who are questioning his character. said.
In a statement Wednesday, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi) criticized recent reporting about the FBI’s secret briefing regarding Hegseth’s background investigation, calling it “grossly factually inaccurate.”
“It is disturbing that the delicate process that committee leadership has used for years to scrutinize presidential appointments is being litigated in the press by anonymous sources with ulterior motives,” Wicker said. He added that he received detailed explanations about the FBI’s background check on three separate occasions.
Wicker was responding to a CNN report that cited two sources familiar with the matter who claimed that Hegseth’s ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, had given a statement to the FBI about Hegseth’s alleged drinking. “He drinks more often than he doesn’t,” Samantha Hegseth told the FBI, according to one of the people involved.
Hegseth slams ‘flawed and questionable affidavit’ from ex-sister-in-law
Pete Hegseth (left), President Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, and Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) shake hands. After a Senate Armed Services Committee confirmation hearing on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington, DC. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
A source familiar with the FBI investigation confirmed the recent press conference and its contents to Fox News, saying, “Yes, Samantha gave a prepared statement to the FBI in which she said Pete Hegseth had an alcohol abuse problem. and continues to have problems.” Sen. Wicker and Reed were informed by the FBI. ”
Meanwhile, Wicker says he will continue to stand by Hegseth.
“After this thorough review, we have made a firm assessment that candidate Mr. Hegseth is poised to become the next Secretary of Defense and that allegations that unfairly impugn his character will not pass scrutiny.” I did,” he said.
Pete Hegseth attends the conclusion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at the Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Wicker said Hegseth has Trump’s confidence and the support of Senate Republicans, and urged the Senate to confirm the nominee “as soon as possible” during this “period of national security instability.”
‘Desperate attempt’: Senators receive alleged affidavit about Hegseth’s previous marriage
A vote on the defense secretary nominee is expected to take place this weekend unless Senate Republicans and Democrats can reach a time agreement to speed up the process.
Hegseth has faced controversy throughout the confirmation process.
On Tuesday, FOX News obtained an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, which said that Hegseth had an alcohol abuse problem and sometimes caused his ex-wife, Samantha, to fear for his safety. It is claimed that Daniel Hegseth was married to Pete Hegseth’s younger brother. She is not the sister of Pete Hegseth’s second wife, Samantha.
However, Daniel Hegseth added that he did not personally witness any physical or sexual abuse of Samantha by Pete.
Samantha Hegseth also denied physical abuse in a statement given to NBC News.
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“There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only statement I will make to you. I have told you that I do not and will not talk about my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision,” she said. Said.
FOX News’ Tyler Olson, Kelly Fares and Daniel Scully contributed to this report.
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