Senators on both sides of the aisle raised new questions on Wednesday about the vetting process for Defense Secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, pointing to allegations that were not disclosed by the Trump transition team as part of Hegseth’s FBI background check that was transmitted to two key lawmakers ahead of his confirmation hearing.

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

In a signed affidavit, Pete Hegseth's former sister-in-law claimed his ex-wife was terrified of him and hid in a closet when he threatened her.

In a sworn affidavit, Pete Hegseth's former sister-in-law said Hegseth's ex-wife told her she at one point "feared for her personal safety" during her marriage to him.

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

Hegseth, Trump’s nominee for Defense Secretary, and his second wife denied the allegation that he was abusive in their former marriage.