Key Senate President criticizes ‘anonymous sources with ulterior motives’, says Hegseth’s nomination
A key senator on the Armed Services Committee says he stands with the president Donald Trump’s Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, dismissing what he called “anonymous sources with ulterior motives” who cast doubt on his character.
Senate Armed Services Chairman Roger Wicker, R-Miss., in a statement Wednesday criticized recent reports of a classified briefing on FBI background investigation Hegseth as “clearly and factually incorrect”.
“It is troubling that the sensitive, lengthy process using the leadership of the presidential press vetting committee is being challenged by anonymous sources with ulterior motives,” Wicker said, adding that he had received three separate, detailed briefings on the FBI’s investigation.
Wicker was responding to a CNN report that cited two sources familiar with the matter who claimed that Hegseth’s ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, had given a statement to the FBI about Hegseth’s alleged alcohol consumption. Media outlets said one of the sources said Samantha Hegseth told the FBI, “He drinks more often than he doesn’t.”
Pete Hegseth, left, President Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, shakes hands with Speaker Roger Wicker, R-Miss. following his confirmation hearing by the Senate Armed Services Committee, at the Capitol in Washington, DC, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Wicker says he’s continuing stand by Hegseth.
“After this thorough review, I am firm in my assessment that the candidate, Mr. Hegseth, is ready to be the next Secretary of Defense and that the allegations that unfairly impugn his character do not stand up to scrutiny,” the senator said.
Pete Hegseth appears at the conclusion of his confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington, Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Ben Curtis)
Wicker said Hegseth has the confidence of Trump and the support of Senate Republicans, and urged the Senate to confirm the nominee “as soon as possible” during this “uncertain moment of national security.”
‘DESPERATE ATTEMPT’: SENATORS OBTAIN STATEMENT ALLEGING HEGSETH’S ARRANGEMENT MARRIAGE
Hegseth faced controversy throughout his life appointment procedure.
On Tuesday, Fox News obtained an affidavit from Hegseth’s ex-sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, who said he had a problem with alcohol abuse and that his ex-wife, Samantha, made him fear for his safety at times. Danielle Hegseth was married to Pete Hegseth’s brother. She is not the sister of Samantha, Pete Hegseth’s second wife.
But Danielle Hegseth added that she herself never witnessed any abuse, physical or sexual, from Pete against Samantha.
Samantha Hegseth also denied any physical abuse in a statement first reported by NBC News.
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“There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you. I have let you know that I am not and will not be talking about my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision,” she reportedly said.
Fox News Digital’s Julia Johnson and Fox News’ Tyler Olson, Kelly Phares and Daniel Scully contributed to this report.
