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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character, mentioning that he has transformed into a different person while working in the network. She was discussing Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Updating from the capital
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has changed since 2018 when she sent an email alleging that he mistreated women and lacked moral character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has transformed into a different person, having been forgiven and redeemed.
"I hope that people, especially our female senators, will take the time to understand who Pete is today and listen to him with an open heart. It is important to hear the truth about Pete and know that he does not mistreat women."
She made a public statement after The New York Times released an email she had sent while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce from his second wife. In an interview with The Times on Friday, she admitted that she did not mean what she said in the email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent message.
Following recent accusations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of non-profit organizations highlighted in an article by The New Yorker, Mr. Hegseth has also had to address allegations of rape from a woman at a political conference in 2017. Despite an investigation that did not lead to any charges, Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, maintains that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences of the situation have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential leadership of the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk. It is reported that President-elect Donald J. Trump is considering alternative candidates for the position.
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