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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character. She mentioned that he has changed for the better, which is significant as he is the President-elect’s pick for defense secretary.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Reporting from the nation
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has changed since 2018. She had previously sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking morals and integrity.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete is now a different individual, having been forgiven and transformed.
"I hope that everyone, especially female senators, will take the time to get to know Pete today. I hope you will listen to him with an open heart and recognize the truth in what he says. It’s important to note that he treats women with respect and does not mistreat them."
She made an appearance after The New York Times released an email she wrote while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce from his second wife. In an interview on Friday, she mentioned that she did not stand by what she said in that email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following the publication of allegations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations in The New Yorker this week, another issue arose for Mr. Hegseth. A woman filed a police complaint accusing him of raping her at a political conference in 2017. However, after an investigation, no charges were filed, and Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer stated that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences from the situation have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential to be the head of the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk. President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering different candidates for the position instead.
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