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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character, claiming that he has changed for the better. She is the mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Updating from the capital
Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated on Wednesday that her son has changed since 2018 when she sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking integrity and moral character.
During an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has transformed into a new individual, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that everyone, especially our female senators, take the time to get to know Pete today and listen to him with an open heart. He is a truthful person who respects women and does not mistreat them."
She made an appearance after The New York Times released an email she had written while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce from his second wife. In an interview with The Times on Friday, she mentioned that she did not stand by what was said in the email and had already apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Additionally, recent accusations of alcohol misuse and mishandling of charitable organizations were reported in The New Yorker this week. Mr. Hegseth was also accused of rape by a woman at a political event in 2017, but no charges were filed after an investigation and his lawyer claims 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. President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering different candidates for the position due to this fallout.
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