A group of Republican senators is advocating to review the FBI’s background check on Pete Hegseth, the nominee for Pentagon chief by President Donald Trump, marking an unusual occurrence within the overseeing committee and indicating potential hurdles ahead for the former Fox News anchor in the Senate.
Typically, the Senate Armed Services Committee restricts access to such background checks to its two leading senators. However, mounting pressure from both Democratic and Republican factions is demanding broader access to the ongoing report. The contents of this report could hold significant sway in determining Hegseth’s fate with the Pentagon.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine), a pivotal swing vote on Hegseth’s confirmation, expressed the importance of examining the FBI background check in light of the allegations against him.
Accusations of sexual assault, alcohol misuse, and mismanagement during Hegseth’s tenure at veterans’ organizations have surfaced. While Hegseth refutes these claims, Trump’s supporters are rallying behind him. Notably, no Republican senators have openly opposed his nomination.
Various senators have distinct reasons for seeking access to the report. Some Republicans, like Collins and Senator Thom Tillis of North Carolina, believe the seriousness of the allegations warrants a more extensive review of the findings. Although the FBI’s conclusions are unlikely to be disclosed publicly, they could offer political cover for Republican senators to either oppose or support Hegseth.
Senator Tillis emphasized the importance of nominees being transparent regarding their FBI background checks and advocated for sharing this information with committee members.
The FBI’s investigation into Hegseth’s background is anticipated to be comprehensive, encompassing personal and professional aspects, interviews with associates, financial records scrutiny, and examination of past legal issues.
Despite the allegations against him, Hegseth maintains his willingness to undergo the FBI background check, as affirmed by his advisor Arthur Schwartz.
While the allegations of sexual assault did not result in criminal charges, Hegseth’s accuser was reportedly released from a non-disclosure agreement, potentially opening avenues for her to share her side of the story. However, there is a risk of facing a defamation lawsuit.
Trump’s initial delay in authorizing agreements with the FBI postponed Hegseth’s background check. Nevertheless, efforts are underway to expedite the investigation to conclude before his confirmation hearing scheduled for Jan. 14.
The convention of limited access grants considerable authority to Committee Chair Jack Reed of Rhode Island and ranking member Senator Roger Wicker of Mississippi. These two senators typically review FBI reports on nominees without staff present and may consult with the administration on broader dissemination.
Senator Reed is under pressure from eight Senate Armed Services Democrats to enhance transparency by releasing the report to all committee members, a demand supported by Senator Angus King of Maine.
Although there is a consensus on the benefits of increased information sharing, Senator Reed refrained from indicating a definitive stance, emphasizing the decision-making process involving himself, Senator Wicker, and the White House.
Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville affirmed his intent to review the report, while others in the Senate Armed Services Committee advocate for upholding existing traditions and precedents.
The significance of the background check was underscored by the 1989 confirmation battle over John Tower, George H. W. Bush’s nominee for Defense secretary. The FBI report on Tower highlighted a history of alcohol abuse, leading to the rejection of his nomination.
