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.

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

Senators have received an affidavit from the former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth, President Trump's nominee to serve as secretary of defense, that says his behavior caused his second wife to fear for her safety.