An attorney for defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth sent a letter to Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) on Wednesday, attempting to discredit new allegations detailed in an affidavit from Hegseth’s former sister-in-law.

Amid Republican claims of “anonymous smears,” a named person — and a Hegseth, at that — accuses the defense secretary nominee of abusive behavior.

Senators vetting the nomination of Pete Hegseth for defense secretary received an affidavit from a former sister-in-law alleging that the onetime Fox News was abusive to his second wife to the point where she feared for her safety.

The Armed Services Committee approved Hegseth's nomination in a 14-13 party-line vote Monday, and the full Senate is expected to hold his confirmation vote as soon as Thursday. Hegseth has said that, if confirmed, he will stop drinking. By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over.

Even though Trump has not officially been inaugurated, the Senate can confirm cabinet members before his Oath of Office.

Pete Hegseth's former sister-in-law said in an affidavit to senators on Tuesday that President Donald Trump's pick to lead the Pentagon abused his second ex-wife to the point where she once hid in a closet and gave friends a code word to use in a crisis.

Amid Republican claims of “anonymous smears,” a named person — and a Hegseth, at that — accuses the defense secretary nominee of abusive behavior.

The Defense secretary nominee's former sister-in-law, in an affidavit, said she witnessed his drunken aggression and that his second wife worried about her safety.

Trump's defence secretary nominee has denied claims of spousal abuse, made by his former-sister in law in an affidavit.

Fox News senior national correspondent Aishah Hasnie reports on the latest accusations against Pete Hegseth as he seeks confirmation to lead the Pentagon on ‘Special Report.’

Hegseth, through his attorney, firmly denied the latest allegations, which come as his nomination to lead the Pentagon is set to go before the Senate this week.