Pete Hegseth’s Ex-Wife Raises Alcohol Concerns in FBI Statement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Pete Hegseth, President Donald Trump‘s nominee for Defense secretary, faces renewed scrutiny after his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, provided a statement to the FBI regarding his alcohol use, according to two sources familiar with the matter. The revelation comes amid a contentious confirmation process marked by allegations of excessive drinking and misconduct.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and ranking Democratic member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) were briefed on Samantha Hegseth’s statement on January 16, two days after Hegseth’s confirmation hearing. The FBI included her remarks in a supplemental review of Hegseth’s background, the sources said. Wicker dismissed reports about the briefing as “starkly and factually inaccurate” and reaffirmed his support for Hegseth’s nomination.

During his confirmation hearing, Hegseth denied allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, calling them part of a “coordinated smear campaign.” He pledged not to drink if confirmed as Defense secretary. However, Samantha Hegseth reportedly told the FBI, “He drinks more often than he doesn’t,” according to one source familiar with her statement.

Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, also submitted an affidavit to the Senate alleging that Hegseth was “abusive” toward Samantha during their marriage and that she witnessed him drinking excessively at family gatherings. Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s lawyer, dismissed the affidavit as baseless, stating, “Danielle Hegseth hates Pete and there is no truth to any of this.”

The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced Hegseth’s nomination along party lines, with Reed voting against it. The full Senate is expected to vote on the nomination soon, where Republicans hold a narrow 53-47 majority.

Hegseth’s confirmation process has drawn comparisons to the 1989 nomination of John Tower, a former senator whose Defense secretary nomination was rejected due to concerns about his drinking and personal behavior. Tower’s downfall marked a rare instance of the Senate rejecting a Cabinet nominee, a fate Hegseth could face if Democrats unite against him.

The FBI declined to comment on the matter, and Samantha Hegseth has not responded to requests for comment. As the Senate prepares for a final vote, the allegations against Hegseth continue to cast a shadow over his nomination.