 "Trump’s SecDef pick Hegseth was ‘abusive’ to second wife, ex-sister-in-law tells Senators")
Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law has submitted a sworn statement to Senators claiming that the US President Donald Trump’s pick for defence secretary was “abusive” towards his second wife Samantha Hegseth.
Hegseth has already been in the eye of the storm for his controversial take on subjects ranging from women and transgenders and now Danielle Diettrich Hegseth, his brother’s ex-wife has made bombshell claims in the affidavit that was reviewed by senators on Tuesday, a day after Trump’s inauguration day.
According to a report by The New York Times which accessed a copy of the affidavit, Danielle said that Hegseth’s “erratic behaviour” led his former second wife Samantha to “fear for her safety.” It also mentioned Hegseth’s excessive drinking habits regardless of his being in a private or public setup.
Hegseth, an army veteran and a former news anchor, shares a close rapport with Trump and is not free of controversies. He has often been spotted with Trump and is known to make contentious statements on defence-related matters.
‘Samantha hid in closet’
Danielle wrote in her affidavit that Hegseth’s behaviour toward Samantha was so intense at times that she “hid in her closet from Hegseth because she feared for her personal safety.”
The two women shared a code word that Samantha would use in case she landed in trouble and needed help. Danielle said that Samantha had texted her the code word once in either 2015 or 2016.
Danielle Hegseth stated that she “did not personally witness physical or sexual abuse by Hegseth” but described his behaviour over many years as “erratic and aggressive.” She also recalled several incidents from 2008 or 2009, as well as around 2013, where she observed Hegseth becoming intoxicated to the extent of passing out.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsHegseth’s lawyer denies claims
Meanwhile, Tim Parlatore, a lawyer for Hegseth, has rejected the charges made by Danielle.
“Sam has never alleged that there was any abuse, she signed court documents acknowledging that there was no abuse and recently reaffirmed the same during her F.B.I. interview,” he said.
Parlatore called Danielle “an anti-Trump far-left Democrat” who “had an axe to grind against the entire Hegseth family.”
Will this affect Hegseth’s nomination?
The revelations about Hegseth and his relationship with Samantha come at a time when Republican leaders are pushing to confirm his nomination for the post of secretary of defence.
However, about half a dozen Republicans who recently became aware of the allegations have privately expressed significant concerns about them.
On the other hand, the chair of the Armed Services Committee, Senator Roger Wicker, has said that the affidavit going public is not likely to affect Hegseth’s confirmation.
“The nomination is going to go forward,” he said.
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
