Pete Hegseth, a nominee for a key defense role, is facing serious accusations from his former sister-in-law. In an affidavit submitted to the Senate Armed Services Committee, Danielle Hegseth claimed Pete was “abusive” toward his ex-wife, Samantha Hegseth. The document, obtained by CNN, has stirred up concerns about his suitability for the position.

Danielle, who was married to Pete’s brother from 2011 to 2019, didn’t specify the nature of the alleged abuse but mentioned Samantha often feared for her safety. She said Samantha even had a code word to signal when she needed help escaping Pete. Danielle also claimed she witnessed Pete drinking excessively at family gatherings and in public. However, she admitted she didn’t personally see any physical or sexual abuse.

Despite the allegations, Samantha Hegseth denied any physical abuse in a statement, adding she won’t comment further on her marriage. Meanwhile, Pete’s lawyer dismissed Danielle’s claims, calling her a “lifelong Democrat” with a personal vendetta. He also noted that the FBI found no evidence to back her accusations during their investigation.

This isn’t the first time Pete’s nomination has been clouded by controversy. Earlier reports highlighted allegations of sexual harassment and heavy drinking in the workplace. Pete has repeatedly denied all claims, even promising to abstain from drinking if confirmed for the role.

The Senate Armed Services Committee has already greenlit Pete’s nomination, but the full Senate vote remains uncertain. Some Democrats argue the allegations raise red flags about his fitness for such a high-profile position. Meanwhile, Republicans seem confident Pete has enough support to secure the role.

As the drama unfolds, all eyes are on the Senate, where a final decision could come as early as this week. Will Pete Hegseth’s nomination survive the storm, or will these allegations derail his path to the Pentagon? Stay tuned.