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The Redemption of Pete Hegseth: A Mother’s Defense Amid Trump Transition Challenges

In Citizen
January 14, 2025

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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to speak positively about her son’s character. She mentioned that he has transformed as a person, despite his previous job working for President-elect Donald J. Trump.

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 moral character.

During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth mentioned that Pete has undergone a transformation and is now a different person. She emphasized that he has been redeemed, forgiven, and has changed for the better.

"I hope that today people will take the time to learn about Pete, especially our female senators, and listen to him with an open heart to hear the truth about him," she expressed. She also mentioned, "He does not mistreat women."

She made an appearance 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 mean what she said in the email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.

Following accusations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of charitable organizations, which were detailed in an article by The New Yorker, additional scrutiny has been directed towards Mr. Hegseth. A woman filed a police complaint alleging that he raped her at a political event in 2017, although no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer, Timothy Parlatore, maintains that the encounter was consensual.

The negative consequences of the situation have put Mr. Hegseth at risk of not being selected to lead the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration, as President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering different candidates for the position.

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