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.

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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.

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

The former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth told senators in a sworn affidavit that he caused his second wife to fear for her personal safety and abused alcohol over the course of many years.