Senators Demand FBI Background Check on Pete Hegseth Before Confirmation
Trump's Defense Secretary nominee faces bipartisan scrutiny over allegations of misconduct and controversial past statements.
- At least 12 senators, including Republicans and Democrats, are requesting access to the FBI's background check on Pete Hegseth, citing serious allegations against him.
- Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Trump loyalist, is accused of sexual assault, alcohol abuse, financial mismanagement, and workplace misconduct, all of which he denies.
- Republican Senators Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and others have expressed interest in reviewing the FBI report, signaling potential challenges to Hegseth's confirmation.
- The Senate Armed Services Committee traditionally limits access to FBI background checks, but growing pressure may lead to broader review by senators ahead of the January 14 hearing.
- Democratic senators have also raised concerns about Hegseth's past comments on women in the military and requested further documentation on the allegations.