Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth is under intense scrutiny as his confirmation approaches, following a sworn affidavit submitted by his former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth. This affidavit alleges that Hegseth exhibited 'erratic and aggressive behavior' towards his second wife, Samantha, causing her to fear for her safety.

Diving into the details, Danielle claims that Samantha once hid in a closet during a confrontation and had devised safety measures including a code word for emergencies. The affidavit also highlights issues of alcohol abuse, citing instances where Hegseth allegedly drank to excess.

Despite these serious allegations, Samantha has publicly stated, “There was no physical abuse in my marriage,” countering claims made by Danielle. Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, defended his client, asserting that the allegations are politically motivated from someone with an 'axe to grind' against their family.

The Senate Armed Services Committee had already voted along party lines to advance Hegseth’s nomination, but these latest revelations from the affidavit have reignited discussions among lawmakers. Sen. Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the committee, described the allegations as serious enough to warrant a thorough investigation.

As the Senate gears up for a full vote on Hegseth’s confirmation, it remains unclear whether the new allegations will sway any Republican senators who currently express support for him.

This ongoing saga reflects the intense political atmosphere surrounding Hegseth's nomination, with many Democrats calling for a more rigorous examination of his past conduct before confirming a candidate to oversee the Pentagon.

For more details, refer to the full articles by Daily Star and AP News.