F.B.I. Provides Intelligence to Key Armed Services Senators About Hegseth

The Senate Armed Services Committee's leading members from both parties received a briefing from the F.B.I. regarding the background investigation on Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump's nominee for defense secretary. Democratic members voiced concerns about potential omissions.

In a session in Washington, F.B.I. agents informed the top leaders of the committee, Senators Roger Wicker of Mississippi and Jack Reed of Rhode Island, of their background check results on Mr. Hegseth, raising questions about whether the checks were comprehensive.

The findings were not shared with the full committee, which troubled some Democrats, who believe there may be missing details that could require further examination.

Both Senators Wicker and Reed spent over an hour separately discussing the findings with F.B.I. representatives, though neither received documents they could distribute among other committee members.

With Hegseth's confirmation hearing looming, it seems increasingly improbable that the rest of the committee members will review the F.B.I.'s findings before they assess his candidacy for the Pentagon's top job.

Democratic Senators are particularly frustrated about their inability to see the F.B.I.'s full report, as they argue it is essential for a thorough evaluation.

"I must have access to his F.B.I. background report and his financial disclosures," stated Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, highlighting the necessity to examine any potential lawsuits or allegations he faces.

Reports have surfaced citing allegations against Hegseth for sexual misconduct, poor management of veteran nonprofits, and public intoxication issues. Hegseth has called the sexual misconduct charge a misunderstanding stemming from a consensual act and claims he has since changed significantly.

Most Republican senators have not been influenced by these allegations, preferring to disregard them if the accusers remain anonymous.

Democratic members suspect other allegations might emerge in the F.B.I. report, informed by self-disclosed tips by those familiar with Mr. Hegseth's past conduct.

Senator Richard Blumenthal described the additional information on Mr. Hegseth as extremely critical, although he did not specify the details, mentioning that the lack of transparency in sharing the background check appears like a 'cover-up.'

The F.B.I. began contacting possible witnesses to inquire about Hegseth's behavior last month, focusing on his alcohol use among other aspects, though it's uncertain how extensive these inquiries were.

Many Democrat senators have yet to personally question Mr. Hegseth. Attempts to set up meetings have been thwarted, with Hegseth only becoming available after Trump's inauguration date, coinciding with the earliest possible Senate confirmation vote.