Senator Wicker Defends Hegseth Nomination Amid Alcohol Abuse Allegations

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Senator Wicker Defends Hegseth Nomination Amid Alcohol Abuse Allegations
Pete HegsethDonald TrumpSenate Armed Services Committee
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Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, strongly defends President Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, against allegations of alcohol abuse raised by anonymous sources. Wicker asserts that the allegations are unfounded and calls for a swift confirmation of Hegseth, emphasizing his qualifications and the importance of national security.

A prominent senator on the Armed Services Committee has voiced strong support for President Donald Trump 's nominee for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth , dismissing concerns raised by what he termed 'anonymous sources with ulterior motives.

' Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, issued a statement Wednesday condemning recent reports regarding a confidential briefing on the FBI background investigation of Hegseth as 'starkly and factually inaccurate.' Wicker asserted that the longstanding process used by committee leadership to vet presidential personnel is being inappropriately subjected to public scrutiny by unnamed sources with hidden agendas. He emphasized that he had received three detailed briefings on the FBI's background investigation. Wicker's response came after a CNN report, citing two sources familiar with the matter, claimed that Hegseth's ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth, provided a statement to the FBI concerning Hegseth's alleged alcohol consumption. One source reportedly stated that Samantha Hegseth told the FBI that Hegseth 'drinks more often than he doesn't.'Meanwhile, a source familiar with the FBI investigation confirmed the recent briefing and its contents to Fox News, stating that Samantha Hegseth did indeed provide a prepared statement to the FBI, alleging that Pete Hegseth has a history of and ongoing struggle with alcohol abuse. This statement, according to the source, was communicated to Senators Wicker and Reed by the FBI. Despite these allegations, Senator Wicker maintains his unwavering support for Hegseth. He stated that after a thorough review, he is 'ironclad' in his assessment that Hegseth is fully prepared to serve as the next Secretary of Defense. Wicker asserted that the allegations against Hegseth's character do not hold up to scrutiny. He highlighted that Hegseth enjoys the confidence of President Trump and the backing of Senate Republicans, urging the Senate to expedite the confirmation process 'as fast as possible' during this 'precarious national security moment.' Hegseth's nomination has been met with controversy throughout the confirmation process. On Tuesday, Fox News obtained an affidavit from Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, alleging that he struggles with alcohol abuse and at times made his ex-wife fear for her safety. Danielle Hegseth was married to Pete Hegseth's brother but emphasized she never personally witnessed any physical or sexual abuse by Pete against Samantha. Samantha Hegseth herself has denied any physical abuse in a statement to NBC News, stating '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 speaking and will not speak on my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.' A vote on the Defense Secretary nominee is anticipated this weekend unless Republicans and Democrats in the Senate reach a time agreement to accelerate the process.

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