'Appearance of a cover-up': Senate Dem raises alarm over missing FBI info on Trump nominee

Multiple Democratic senators are pointing with alarm at what they believe are gaps in information provided by the FBI on one of Donald Trump's most controversial Cabinet nominees.

According to a report from the New York Times, the slim information provided on Fox News personality Pete Hegseth, chosen to be the president-elect's secretary of defense, does not include examinations of information they have been provided directly.

Hegseth is facing a slew of questions over accusations of sexual assault, excessive drinking and financial improprieties while heading up several veterans organizations.

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According to the Times, with Hegseth scheduled for a confirmation hearing on Tuesday, Democrats are questioning whether the nominee has received enough scrutiny in the short time allowed.

The Times is reporting, "several Democrats on the panel expressed concerns that they might not have relevant information for Mr. Hegseth’s confirmation hearing on Tuesday," adding, "Democrats on the committee believe there are additional allegations that should appear in the pages of an F.B.I. background check, to inform their questioning. That belief is based in part on information they have gleaned from individuals who have quietly approached Senate offices to divulge information about Mr. Hegseth."

Referring to outside information he has received, Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) stated, “Damning is an understatement,” and suggested he feels what he has seen so far gives the "appearance of a cover-up."

Sen Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) also weighed in, pointing out, "I need to see his F.B.I. background check, we need to see his financial disclosures. And we need to know about any other potential lawsuits he might be facing, any other allegations he might be facing.”

The NYT report adds, "F.B.I. officials began calling and interviewing witnesses to Mr. Hegseth’s behavior last month, asking, among other subjects, whether Mr. Hegseth abused alcohol. But it not clear how many witnesses they reached, or how forthcoming those witnesses were."

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