A national security expert tore into a Republican senator for his apparent failure to conduct due diligence in scrutinizing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s finances during his confirmation hearing. On Monday, Hegseth claimed on the X social media platform that the IRS began an audit into his tax records, saying that he owes more than $33,000.

This came shortly after Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee and a vocal supporter of military aid to Ukraine, confessed he was “disturbed” by Hegseth’s remarks in Brussels. Hegseth appeared to back off vows to the US to maintain Ukraine’s pre-2014 boundaries or potential NATO membership, both of which would be significant strategic gains for Russia.Wicker went so far as to call Hegseth’s speech a “rookie mistake.”

The fresh tax findings, Wheeler contended, further exacerbate Wicker’s decision to rush Hegseth through confirmation. At the time, Hegseth was also accused of sexual assault and persistent problem drinking. “Hi, @SenatorWicker? Now that you’ve admitted to sending someone totally unqualified to Brussels (with predicted disastrous results), could you explain how @PeteHegseth passed past your committee without reporting his tax issues?” Marcy Wheeler, who is known for her “Empty Wheel” social media accounts, wrote about security. “Vetting him was your responsibility.”

For his part, Hegseth has responded to his audit by accusing the “Biden IRS” of opening a “sham” tax investigation for political reasons.