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Transition of power
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Pete Hegseth’s mother appeared on Fox News to defend her son’s character, stating that he has undergone a significant transformation. She spoke out in support of her son, who has been selected by President-elect Donald J. Trump to serve as defense secretary.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Reporting live from the
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 moral character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has undergone a transformation and is now a different person. She mentioned that he has been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that individuals, particularly our female senators, take the time to truly understand who Pete is today. I urge you to listen to him with an open heart and recognize the truth about Pete. It is important to note that he does not mistreat women."
She made an appearance following The New York Times’ release of an email she sent while Mr. Hegseth was going through a difficult divorce. In an interview with The Times on Friday, she stated that she did not stand by what she wrote in the email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following allegations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations reported in The New Yorker this week, additional scrutiny was placed on Mr. Hegseth. He was also accused of rape by a woman who claimed the incident occurred at a political conference in 2017. Despite an investigation finding no evidence to press charges, Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, stated that the encounter was consensual.
The negative impact from both incidents has put Mr. Hegseth’s potential leadership position at the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk. President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering alternative candidates for the role.
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