The FBI has interviewed several individuals about Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth’s personal life as part of its background check investigation, focusing on alleged extramarital affairs, his relationship with alcohol, and his character. The investigation included outreach to people from Hegseth’s past, including individuals he has known for much of his adult life.
The Armed Services Committee is scheduled to hold Hegseth’s confirmation hearing on Tuesday, just days before President-elect Trump’s inauguration.
Also, on Friday, the Senate Armed Services Committee’s top members, Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Jack Reed, were briefed on the results of Pete Hegseth’s FBI background investigation by a representative from President-elect Trump’s transition team. The background investigation materials were also made available for Wicker and Reed to review if they chose. So far, the FBI’s findings have only been shared with these two senators.
The comprehensive nature of the FBI’s background check suggests that the Senate may receive additional details about Pete Hegseth’s personal life. This comes amid reports, denied by Hegseth, of alleged infidelity and personal behavior that have raised concerns among some senators.
Senator Susan Collins, described her meeting with Hegseth as a “good, substantive discussion” and noted that she pressed him “on both his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him.”
Collins also made it clear that she intends to wait for the final FBI review to help her decide her vote on Hegseth’s confirmation.
The FBI has also reached out to individuals in Minnesota, Pete Hegseth’s home state, to find more pertinent information.
In response, the FBI declined to comment on the specifics or focus of its investigation. Similarly, Hegseth’s spokesperson and the Trump transition team have not issued any statements.
