Fri Jan 24 22:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Hegseth’s Nomination Clouded by New FBI Statement on Alcohol Use

**Washington, D.C. —** The Senate confirmation process for Pete Hegseth, President [President’s name]’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing renewed scrutiny following reports of a new FBI statement from his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, detailing concerns about his alcohol consumption.

Two sources familiar with the matter revealed that Samantha Hegseth recently provided the FBI with a statement regarding Hegseth’s drinking habits. According to one source, she reportedly stated that Hegseth “drinks more often than he doesn’t.” This statement, not previously reported, was included in a supplemental FBI review and briefed to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Ranking Member Jack Reed (D-RI) on January 16th, two days after Hegseth’s confirmation hearing.

Senator Wicker released a statement vehemently denying inaccuracies in reports regarding the FBI briefings, claiming he’s been briefed three times and stands by Hegseth’s nomination. Senator Reed, however, contradicted Wicker’s account, stating that the multiple briefings were unprecedented and confirming the accuracy of reports about the background check’s contents. He declined to discuss specifics of the investigation.

The controversy surrounding Hegseth’s nomination has already involved allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking, all of which Hegseth denies. He pledged to abstain from alcohol if confirmed. These allegations were raised during his confirmation hearing by Democrats.

Further complicating the matter, an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, surfaced earlier this week, alleging both alcohol abuse and unspecified abusive behavior toward Samantha Hegseth. While Danielle Hegseth stated she didn’t witness physical or sexual abuse, she claimed Samantha Hegseth had expressed fears for her safety and employed a code word. Hegseth’s lawyer dismissed these claims as stemming from Danielle Hegseth’s dislike of his client.

Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, maintains there is nothing new in these revelations and expresses confidence in the confirmation vote. The FBI declined to comment. The Senate Armed Services Committee voted along party lines to advance Hegseth’s nomination, with Reed voting against. Samantha Hegseth has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Read More