Pete Hegseth’s ex-wife recently provided a new statement to the FBI regarding the defense nominee’s alcohol use, as reported by two sources familiar with the matter. This issue has stirred controversy during his confirmation process.
Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker and Ranking Member Jack Reed were briefed on Samantha Hegseth’s statement, which had not been previously disclosed, just two days after the committee conducted Pete Hegseth’s confirmation hearing, according to the sources.
Prior to the confirmation hearing, Wicker and Reed were briefed on the FBI’s background check, as per another source. Subsequently, the FBI interviewed Samantha Hegseth and included her statement in its supplemental review.
During the confirmation hearing, Democrats questioned Hegseth about allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking. Hegseth has consistently denied all allegations, including having a drinking problem, but stated that he would abstain from drinking while serving as secretary of defense if confirmed.
During the briefing, Wicker and Reed were informed that Samantha Hegseth had expressed concerns about Pete Hegseth’s drinking in her statement to the FBI. One source familiar with the statement mentioned that Samantha Hegseth informed the FBI that “he drinks more often than he doesn’t.”
It is worth noting that Samantha and Pete Hegseth finalized their divorce in 2017. Pete Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, stated, “There’s nothing new here, and we look forward to the confirmation vote.” Samantha Hegseth did not provide a response, and the FBI declined to comment.
Reed and Wicker received the briefing shortly before the committee vote to advance Hegseth’s nomination to the Senate floor. The vote was split along party lines, with Reed voting against Hegseth’s nomination and Wicker voting to move it forward.
