Transitioning to a
Transition of power
Transition of power
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Pete Hegseth’s mother spoke on a Fox show to defend her son’s character, stating that he has transformed into a better person. She appeared on the network where her son was employed to show her support for him, despite his controversial nomination as defense secretary by President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Writing from the nation
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has changed since 2018 when she sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking integrity and character.
During an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has undergone a transformation and is now a changed individual who has been forgiven and redeemed.
"I hope that everyone, particularly our female senators, will take the time to get to know Pete today and listen to him with an open heart. Please listen to the truth of Pete and understand that he does not mistreat women."
She made an appearance after The New York Times published an email she wrote while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce from his second wife. In an interview with The Times on Friday, she stated that she did not stand by what she said in that email and that she had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations detailed in an article in The New Yorker, Mr. Hegseth faced additional scrutiny. A woman filed a police complaint alleging he raped her at a political conference in 2017, but no charges were pressed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, stated that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences of recent events have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential appointment as 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.
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