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Pete Hegseth’s mother appeared on Fox News to defend her son’s character, stating that he has undergone a positive transformation. She spoke out in support of her son, who is President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
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On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, mentioned that her son has changed since 2018. She previously 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 who has been forgiven, redeemed, and changed.
"I hope that everyone, especially our female senators, will take the time to get to know Pete today and listen to him with an open heart. It’s important to hear the truth about Pete and understand that he does not mistreat women."
She made an appearance following the publication of an email she wrote 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 since apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations in an article by The New Yorker, Mr. Hegseth also faced allegations of rape by a woman at a political conference in 2017. Despite an investigation resulting in no charges, Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer stated that the encounter was consensual.
The fallout from recent events has put Mr. Hegseth’s opportunity to lead the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk. President-elect Donald J. Trump is reportedly considering different candidates for the position instead.
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