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.

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

Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law gave an affidavit to the Senate Armed Services Committee accusing him of being “abusive” toward his second ex-wife, according to a copy of the affidavit obtained by CNN.

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.

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.