A Democratic senator is calling on the chamber's Armed Services Committee to get two veterans groups to "preserve and produce" financial records related to the time when they were run by Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's embattled Defense Secretary nominee, following reports of mismanagement during his tenure.
Richard Blumenthal, who is also part of the committee, sent a letter to its leaders saying that "in light of recent reports," he requests "that prior to scheduling any confirmation hearing, the Committee ensure that Concerned Veterans of America (CVA) and the Veterans for Freedom (V.F.F) preserve and produce all financial records and correspondence, particularly concerning credit card transactions, relating to Peter Hegseth's tenure at these organizations to the Committee for review."
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, who sits on Senate Armed Services Committee, is calling on the leaders of the panel to demand two veterans groups that Pete Hegseth used to run to ‘preserve and produce’ records — including credit card transactions.
— Manu Raju (@mkraju) December 5, 2024
The demand comes as Hegseth reportedly… pic.twitter.com/kxyNL1sXM3
"Accusations of Mr. Hegseth's serious financial abuse and gross misconduct as the Executive Director of V.F.F from 2007 to 2011 and again as the Executive Director of CVA from 2013 to 2016 make it imperative that the Committee have access to all relevant documentation to access these claims prior to the Committee considering his nomination. This request includes but is not limited to credit card records, tax filings, receipts, performance reviews, and revenue reports," Blumenthal added.
Different outlets reported over the past days that Hegseth received a six-figure severance payment and signed a non-disclosure agreement after he left CVA. His departure was marked by allegations of financial mismanagement, repeated episodes of alcohol intoxication and sexual impropriety. The payments amounted to $172,000 and took place long after his departure. Speaking to the Military Times back then, Hegseth said he was leaving to focus on releasing a book and other advocacy work.
Hegseth's attorney, Timothy Parlatore, told CBS news that the payment was a "standard severance package." "They make EVERYONE who leaves CVA sign an NDA. It was standard for all employees. Not just Pete," Parlatore said.
Other claims include accusations of heavy drinking and inappropriate conduct during his time leading veterans' nonprofits. Hegseth's drinking habits raised concerns among colleagues during his stint as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, NBC News reported on Tuesday. The article included interviews with 10 current and former Fox News employees, two of whom said they smelled alcohol on him on multiple occasions before broadcasts, while others pointed to instances when he appeared on air after mentioning that he was hungover.
Hegseth's nomination is reportedly uncertain as the controversies continue to grow. According to the Wall Street Journal, President-elect Donald Trump is exploring the possibility of replacing him with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
DeSantis, a former Navy lawyer and a 2024 GOP primary rival for the presidency, was on an earlier list of potential candidates for the post but lost out to the former Fox News host. Now, Trump allies are reportedly reviving the list as skepticism grows about Hegseth's ability to secure confirmation in the Senate.
Hegseth has remained defiant, saying he will not withdraw from consideration. "I'm doing this for the warfighters, not the warmongers," said Hegseth in a publication on X. "The Left is afraid of disrupters and change agents. They are afraid of Donald Trump and me. So they smear with fake anonymous sources & BS stories. They don't want truth. Our warriors never back down, & neither will I," he added.
Approached by a reporter in the Capitol on Wednesday, Hegseth said he spoke with Trump in the morning and he told him to 'keep going, keep fighting." Pressed on whether he is in "all the way," he asked why he would "back down." "I have always been a fighter, I'm here for the fighters. It's a personal passion for me. I'm meeting all day with senators," Hegseth added.
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