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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to defend her son’s character, stating that he has undergone significant personal growth. She is the mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s nominee for defense secretary.
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 moral character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth mentioned that Pete has transformed into a different individual, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that everyone, especially our female senators, will take the time to truly understand who Pete is today. Listen to him with an open heart and recognize the truth about him," she expressed. She also emphasized that Pete does not mistreat women.
She made an appearance following The New York Times releasing 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 stated that she did not stand by what she said in that email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations, an article in The New Yorker revealed further concerns surrounding Mr. Hegseth. Additionally, he was accused of rape at a political conference in 2017, although no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer asserts that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences from both incidents 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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