Pete Hegsett’s lawyer criticized the claims of the former son-in-law before it was confirmed
President Donald Trump’s pick for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is pushing back against his former son-in-law’s swearing-in at the last minute with new allegations.
Hegseth’s attorney, Timothy C. Parlatore, asked Senate Armed Services Committee (SASC) Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., on Wednesday to dismiss the claims made by Daniel Dietrich, the former Hegseth.
“Although it is difficult to answer or make anonymous accusations, if someone puts his name on the record, the benefit is to test his credibility and bias. In this case, it is easy to identify his credibility and bias,” he said. He said in correspondence obtained by Fox News Digital.
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Pete Hegseth’s lawyer is urging senators not to believe his brother’s ex-wife’s affidavit. (Reuters)
Dietrich’s statement was obtained by Fox News on Tuesday. Hegst’s ex-sister, who was once married to his brother, said Hegst had a problem with alcoholism, causing his ex-wife Samantha to fear for her safety at times.
Samantha recounted several stories under oath, including an incident where she hid in her husband’s closet.
However, Dietrich said she did not witness any physical or sexual abuse of Samantha by Pete.
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The affidavit also cites stories about Heggs’ heavy drinking, citing a number of specific instances, including one at a fraternity club.
After the oath was reported, Sec. Jack ReedThe senior member of the committee, Dr. I am concerned that the background check process is inadequate, and this affidavit confirms my fears.
“The alleged misconduct and misconduct by Mr Hegseth is appalling. This behavior would disqualify any member of staff from holding any leadership position in the armed forces, much less being confirmed as Secretary of Defence.”
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Hegseth had a hearing before the committee last week. (Anna Cashier)
In the document, Dietrich suggested that her former father-in-law was not qualified to be secretary of defense.
In a letter to Wicker, Parlatore said, “She clearly believes that her intent is to undermine the nominee, and that such a statement has been promised by Democrats.”
He pointed out that “most” of what Dietrich cited were incidents she believed she did not witness. Hegseth’s attorney added, “She materially contradicts Sam’s sworn statement during the divorce proceedings that she admitted that she was not abused.”
Parlatere also indicated that her claim accuses Samantha of lying during the FBI’s background check on Hegseth.
“It’s important to note that Ms. Dietrich told the FBI all of this on December 30, 2024, but the FBI was unable to substantiate her claim, which was then completely denied by Sam, the actual participant,” he said.
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Scott blamed Democrats for obstructing the confirmation process. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)
“The obvious and admittedly partisan attempt at the 11th hour to deny Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation is no basis,” the letter concluded.
Democrats have said Hegseth is unqualified for the role, while Republicans have opposed him for impeding the confirmation process.
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Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told reporters, “They’re just obstructionists, being Democrats.”
“They’re just trying to keep Trump from getting his administration together. It’s not good for the American people. President Trump won the election. If he won the electoral vote by a (a) significant margin. They need to stop being obstructionists.”