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The mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary went on the same network where her son used to work to defend his character and claim that he has undergone significant personal growth.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth.
Writing from the nation
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, who is the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has changed since 2018. She sent an email at that time where she accused him of mistreating women regularly and lacking in morals and integrity.
In an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth mentioned that Pete has undergone a transformation and is now a different person. She stated that he has been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that people, especially our female senators, take the time to truly understand who Pete is today. I urge you to listen to him with an open heart and recognize the truth about Pete. It is important to note that he does not mistreat women."
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 already apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations in an article by The New Yorker, Mr. Hegseth is facing allegations. Additionally, a woman accused him of rape at a political conference in 2017, but no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer has stated that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential position as the head of the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk, as President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering alternative candidates for the role.
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