The left-wing media’s latest attempt to derail Pete Hegseth’s confirmation as defense secretary has crumbled under scrutiny after new allegations against him were swiftly debunked. In a familiar pattern, the media ran with an affidavit claiming that Hegseth’s second wife feared for her safety—only for the accusations to be immediately refuted by the very person they were meant to protect.

On Tuesday, Senate Armed Services Committee members received a supposed affidavit from Danielle Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s former sister-in-law, alleging that his behavior during his second marriage caused his ex-wife, Samantha, to fear him. Committee staffers had reportedly been in contact with Danielle for several days leading up to the affidavit’s submission.

NBC’s Julie Tsirkin was among the first to report on the affidavit, alluding to its potential impact on the confirmation vote. According to her report, Danielle Hegseth claimed she came forward out of “deep concern” for the country and its military leadership, spewing claims that Samantha would quickly and forcefully deny.

Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Jack Reed (D-RI), a Democrat, reportedly sent Danielle a letter over the weekend asking her to provide specific examples of any alleged misconduct.

“As I have said for months, the reports of Mr. Hegseth’s history of alleged sexual assault, alcohol abuse, and public misconduct necessitate an exhaustive background investigation,” Reed said Tuesday. “I have been concerned that the background check process has been inadequate, and this sworn affidavit confirms that fact.”

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The affidavit, which conveniently surfaced just as Hegseth’s confirmation process reaches a critical juncture, was rapidly exposed as a politically motivated attack aimed at derailing his nomination. Samantha Hegseth, Pete’s second wife and the supposed victim in the allegations, wasted no time in setting the record straight.

She categorically denied the claims, stating that the affidavit contained false information and did not reflect reality. In an email to NBC News on Monday, Samantha Hegseth said, “First and foremost, I have not and will not comment on my marriage to Pete Hegseth.”

“I do not have representatives speaking on my behalf, nor have I ever asked anyone to share or speak about the details of my marriage on my behalf, whether it be a reporter, a committee member, a transition team member, etc.” She also noted, “I do not believe your information to be accurate, and I have cc’d my lawyer.”

When questioned about the accuracy of specific details and asked for her comments on the affidavit, she responded on Tuesday, “There was no physical abuse in my marriage. This is the only further statement I will make to you, I have let you know that I am not speaking and will not speak on my marriage to Pete. Please respect this decision.”

Hegseth’s legal team has denied the allegations, asserting Danielle has a history of conflict with him.

Despite the media’s efforts, Hegseth’s nomination moved forward in the committee on a party-line vote of 14-13, setting up a full Senate vote as early as Thursday. With a Republican majority in the Senate, confirmation seems likely unless the media-fueled controversy gains traction among GOP members.