Trouble mounts for Trump’s Pentagon pick Hegseth, Republican Senators wants FBI report made public

At least a dozen senators are demanding access to the FBI’s background check on Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump’s controversial nominee for Pentagon chief, a rare move for the Senate Armed Services Committee  that oversees his confirmation and a sign the former Fox News host still faces hurdles in the Senate.

According to a Politico report, while the committee typically limits background check access to its two lead senators, both Democrats and Republicans are now pressing to share the report with more lawmakers, as its contents could impact Hegseth’s confirmation.

“It would be helpful, given the allegations that have been lodged against Mr. Hegseth, to be able to see the FBI background check,” Politico quoted Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), a potential swing vote on Hegseth, as saying in an interview.

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The push comes amid allegations of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and mismanagement during Pete Hegseth’s time at two veterans groups, all of which he denies.

Despite these accusations, Trump’s allies continue to rally behind the TV personality, with no Republicans publicly opposing him.

Senators have differing reasons for requesting access to the report. Some Republicans, including Collins and North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis, argue the allegations are serious enough to justify broader access to the findings. While the FBI’s conclusions may not be made public, they could provide political cover for Republican senators to either oppose or defend Hegseth, reported Politico.

“I’ve encouraged all of the nominees, number one, be out front on the FBI background check, and you want that information shared at least with committee members,” Politico quoted Tillis, a Trump ally, as saying.

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The FBI’s background investigation is expected to thoroughly examine Hegseth’s personal and professional history, including interviews with associates, reviews of financial records, and queries into past legal issues.

Trump’s pick argues he has nothing to hide.

“Mr. Hegseth not only welcomes but looks forward to the FBI background check,” Politico quoted Hegseth adviser Arthur Schwartz as saying.

The sexual assault allegations against Hegseth did not lead to criminal charges, and his attorney, Tim Parlatore, recently told CNN that Hegseth’s accuser was released from a non-disclosure agreement. While that might allow her to explain her side of the incident, Parlatore warned it could open her up to a defamation suit.

Hegseth’s background check, delayed by Trump’s reluctance to sign agreements, is expected to proceed quickly, likely before his January 14 confirmation hearing, reported Politico.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed and ranking member Roger Wicker traditionally control access to FBI reports, but at least eight Senate Democrats, including Richard Blumenthal and Elizabeth Warren, are pushing for the report to be shared with all committee members.

“Having more information is a positive thing, even for the Republicans,” Politico quoted Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) as saying.

“As you’ve seen, there are some that are struggling with this nomination,” Kelly added.

Reed acknowledged the growing calls for transparency but didn’t say which way he was leaning. “Everybody wants to look at it,” he was quoted as saying. “That’s a decision that has to be made by myself, Sen. Wicker and the White House,” he added.

Republicans, too, are weighing in. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), a Trump ally, said simply, “I’m going to see it.”

But some Senate Armed Services Republicans said they want to defer to the committee’s longstanding tradition and precedent.

“I don’t think we need to make any special exceptions on any of this,” Politico quoted Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.) as saying.

“If we didn’t do it for the Biden administration, we shouldn’t do it for the Trump administration,” Mullin added.

The background check played a vital role in the 1989 confirmation fight over John Tower, George H. W. Bush’s pick for Defense secretary. The FBI report on Tower documented a “pattern of alcohol abuse.” His nomination was defeated.

With inputs from agencies