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Pete Hegseth’s mother went on a Fox show to defend her son’s character, stating that he has changed for the better. She spoke on the network where her son was employed prior to being chosen as the defense secretary by President-elect Donald J. Trump.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth.
Writing from the nation
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has undergone changes since 2018 when she sent an email alleging that he frequently mistreated women and lacked ethical behavior and character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has transformed into a different individual, having been forgiven and changed for the better.
"I hope that people, especially our female senators, 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 know that he does not mistreat women."
She made an appearance following The New York Times’ release of an email she had sent 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, a recent article in The New Yorker shed light on these issues. Additionally, there were claims of sexual assault against Mr. Hegseth at a political event in 2017, but no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer stated that 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 considering different candidates for the position.
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