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The mother of President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary went on the same network where her son used to work to vouch for his character, stating that he has undergone positive changes.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
Writing from the nation
On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has changed since 2018. She previously sent an email accusing him of mistreating women and lacking integrity and character.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has gone through a transformation and is now a different individual, having been redeemed, forgiven, and changed.
"I hope that people, 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 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 on Friday, she stated that she did not stand by the statements made in that email and had since apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following the publication of a New Yorker article detailing allegations of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of nonprofit organizations, Mr. Hegseth faced additional scrutiny. A woman accused him of rape at a political conference in 2017, but an investigation found no grounds for charges. Hegseth’s lawyer stated that the encounter was consensual.
The negative consequences of 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 reportedly considering alternative candidates for the position.
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