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Penelope Hegseth Defends Her Son’s Character Amid Controversy: A Look at the Trump Transition

In Citizen
January 15, 2025

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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to defend her son’s character. She stated that he has changed and is now a better person.

Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth.

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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.

Mrs. Hegseth stated on "Fox & Friends" that Pete has transformed into a new individual, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.

"I hope that everyone, including our female senators, will take the time to learn about Pete today and listen to him with empathy and an open heart. It’s important to recognize that he treats women respectfully."

She made herself known after The New York Times released 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 admitted that she didn’t mean what she said in the email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.

Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement in nonprofit organizations, an article in The New Yorker detailed these allegations. Additionally, Peter Hegseth was accused of rape by a woman at a political conference in 2017, although no charges were filed after an investigation and his lawyer stated the encounter was consensual.

The negative consequences from multiple sources have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential to head the Defense Department in the upcoming Trump administration at risk. It is rumored that President-elect Donald J. Trump is considering different candidates for the position instead.

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