Senate Leader Defends Defense Pick Against False Claims

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Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker strongly defended Defense Secretary-nominee Pete Hegseth on Wednesday evening, dismissing recent reports questioning the FBI’s background investigation as inaccurate.

Through a statement on the committee’s X platform, Wicker emphasized his confidence in Hegseth’s candidacy, citing three comprehensive briefings he received regarding the FBI’s background investigation. The chairman expressed his unwavering support for Hegseth’s readiness to assume the role of Defense Secretary, rejecting claims that cast doubt on the nominee’s character.

"It is disturbing that a sensitive, longstanding process used by committee leadership to vet presidential personnel is being litigated in the press by anonymous sources with ulterior motives. I have received three separate, detailed briefings… (3/x)

— SASC GOP (@SASCGOP) January 23, 2025

"on the FBI’s background investigation of Mr. Hegseth. After this thorough review, I am ironclad in my assessment that the nominee, Mr. Hegseth, is prepared to be the next Secretary of Defense, and that the allegations unfairly impugning his character do not pass scrutiny. (4/x)

— SASC GOP (@SASCGOP) January 23, 2025

“Mr. Hegseth has the confidence of the President. He has the backing of Senate Republicans. During this precarious national security moment, the Senate needs to confirm this nominee as fast as possible.” (5/end)

— SASC GOP (@SASCGOP) January 23, 2025

The chairman’s defense comes amid media reports, including those from NBC News, highlighting senators’ concerns about Hegseth’s vetting process. These reports specifically reference allegations made by Danielle Hegseth, the nominee’s former sister-in-law, regarding abuse and drinking, which she claimed caused Samantha Hegseth, Pete’s ex-wife, to fear for her safety.

Samantha Hegseth has explicitly denied any instances of “physical abuse” during their marriage.

Expressing his dismay at the situation, Wicker criticized the public airing of the vetting process. “It is disturbing that a sensitive, longstanding process used by committee leadership to vet presidential personnel is being litigated in the press by anonymous sources with ulterior motives,” the chairman said.

According to NBC’s reporting, over 20 senators have reviewed an unredacted version of the Hegseth affidavit. Pete Hegseth’s attorney, Tim Parlatore, responded that “NBC continues to irresponsibly report false allegations by an uninvolved third party as if they were fact.”

Senator Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who examined the unredacted affidavit, is investigating the procedural aspects of information disclosure to senior committee members. He maintains an open mind on the nomination, seeking to verify allegations through witness accounts.

In contrast, Senator Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, has expressed her support for Hegseth’s nomination, emphasizing her trust in both the FBI’s investigation and Samantha Hegseth’s denial of the allegations.

Wicker concluded by highlighting Hegseth’s support from President Donald Trump and stressed the urgency of confirmation given the current national security climate.