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The mother of Pete Hegseth, who is President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, defended her son’s character on a Fox show by stating that he has changed for the better.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth.
Writing from the capital
Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated on Wednesday morning that her son had changed since 2018. She had previously sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking moral character.
During an appearance on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth described Pete as a transformed individual who has been forgiven and redeemed.
"I hope that people, especially female senators, will take the time to learn about Pete today. I encourage you to listen to him with an open heart and consider the truth of his words. It is important to note that he does not mistreat women."
She made a public appearance after The New York Times published an email she sent while 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 she said in the email and had already apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of non-profit organizations in an article by The New Yorker, Mr. Hegseth is under scrutiny. Additionally, a woman accused him of raping her at a political conference in 2017, although no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer claims the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences from the situation have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential leadership of the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk, as President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering alternative candidates for the position.
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