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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character, stating that he has changed for the better. She is the mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, who used to work at the same network.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Writing 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 character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth mentioned that Pete had transformed into a new individual, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that people, especially our female senators, will take the time to understand who Pete is today. I ask that you listen to him with an open heart and believe in the truth of his words," she expressed. She also emphasized that Pete does not mistreat women.
After The New York Times released an email she had written, her presence became known as 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 was said in the email and had already apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement within nonprofit organizations, an article in The New Yorker shed light on these allegations this week. Additionally, Mr. Hegseth was accused of rape at a political conference in 2017, although no charges were filed 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 leadership role in the Defense Department under threat for the upcoming Trump administration. President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering alternative candidates for the position.
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