Tillis Told Hegseth’s Ex-Sister-in-Law Her Statement Could Sway Key Votes

Senator Thom Tillis (R-NC) reportedly assured Danielle Hegseth, the former sister-in-law of Pete Hegseth, that her critical testimony against the Defense Secretary nominee could influence key Republican senators and potentially derail his confirmation. The revelations, reported Monday by The Wall Street Journal, highlight the contentious process leading to Hegseth’s confirmation.

According to the report, Tillis told Danielle Hegseth during a Jan. 19 phone call that her sworn statement, which alleged Pete Hegseth’s abusive behavior and alcohol misuse, could sway the votes of Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Lisa Murkowski (R-AL), and even his own. The call was reportedly witnessed by two other individuals.

Danielle Hegseth went on to submit her testimony, which accused her former brother-in-law of abusing alcohol and being abusive to his second wife. Her statement was intended to raise concerns among Republican senators about Pete Hegseth’s fitness to lead the Pentagon.

Tillis confirmed the details of the report, acknowledging the influence of the testimony in his deliberations. “Danielle Hegseth’s sworn statement did carry weight, which is why I communicated my concerns to the White House and spent days doing my due diligence and seeing if there were any firsthand corroborating accounts of the sworn statement,” Tillis said in a statement to The Wall Street Journal.

Despite the concerns raised, Tillis ultimately supported the nominee after conducting extensive research, including detailed conversations with Pete Hegseth. “I was not able to speak with anyone who provided firsthand corroboration,” Tillis explained, adding that his vote “makes it clear where the facts ultimately led.”

Before deciding to vote in favor of the nominee, Tillis was viewed as a potential obstacle to Hegseth’s confirmation. However, the nominee ultimately secured the position with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote, resulting in a 51-50 confirmation.

The confirmation process for Pete Hegseth was closely watched, with Danielle Hegseth’s testimony adding a layer of controversy to the already heated debates. Critics of the nomination pointed to her allegations as evidence of Hegseth’s unfitness for the role, while supporters argued that the claims lacked corroboration and were politically motivated.

The episode underscores the razor-thin margins in the Senate, where even a single vote can determine the fate of high-profile nominations. It also highlights the personal and political dynamics at play, as allegations from family members and past relationships became a focal point in a contentious confirmation process.

With Hegseth now confirmed as Defense secretary, the debate over his nomination will likely continue to resonate, particularly among those who opposed his appointment.