Kaine Statement on Alarming Report on Secretary of Defense Nominee Pete Hegseth

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, released the following statement regarding new reporting by NBC about an affidavit—or sworn statement—from the former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth in which she says his behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety:

“This reporting by NBC adds further to my understanding of Pete Hegseth’s consistently erratic and inappropriate behavior. I am concerned by Hegseth’s lack of transparency throughout this process and worry the affidavit this report references is just the tip of the iceberg. I will continue to push for more information. President Trump, Congress, our servicemembers, and the American public deserve answers.”

In Hegseth’s confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025, Kaine specifically asked him if he had committed a sexual assault or spousal abuse. He denied both. Kaine also asked him if sexual assault, spousal abuse, or working under the influence would disqualify an individual from being Secretary of Defense. Hegseth refused to answer.

Kaine’s questions followed the public reporting of an email Pete Hegseth’s mother wrote to him in 2018 saying he had routinely mistreated women for years. “On behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way, I say… get some help and take an honest look at yourself,” she wrote.

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