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On a Fox show, the mother of the defense secretary pick by President-elect Donald J. Trump defended her son’s character, stating that he has changed for the better.
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. At that time, she sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking moral character.
Mrs. Hegseth stated on "Fox & Friends" that Pete is like a different person now, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that people, especially female senators, will take the time to get to know Pete today. I hope that you will listen to him and truly hear the truth of his words with an open heart. It is important to note that he does not mistreat women."
She made her presence known 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 admitted that she did not stand by what she said in that email and had since apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and improper management of nonprofit organizations that were detailed in an article in The New Yorker this week, additional controversy has arisen for Mr. Hegseth. A woman filed a police complaint alleging that he raped her at a political conference in 2017, although no charges were ultimately filed. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, maintains that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences of the situation have put Mr. Hegseth’s opportunity to be the leader 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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