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The mother of Pete Hegseth, who is President-elect Donald J. Trump’s pick for defense secretary, went on the same network where her son used to work to defend his character and claim that he has undergone positive changes.
Written by Jennifer S. Forsyth
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On Wednesday morning, Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, stated that her son has undergone changes since 2018. She mentioned that she once sent an email alleging that he mistreated women regularly and lacked ethical behavior.
During an interview on "Fox & Friends," Mrs. Hegseth stated that Pete has transformed into a new individual, who has been forgiven, redeemed, and undergone a positive change.
She expressed her hope that people, particularly female senators, would take the time to get to know Pete and listen to him with an open heart. She emphasized that Pete 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 stated that she didn’t stand by what she said in the email and had apologized to her son in a subsequent email.
Following reports of alcohol abuse and mismanagement of charitable organizations, a recent article in The New Yorker shed light on these allegations. Additionally, there were accusations of sexual assault against Mr. Hegseth at a political event in 2017, although no charges were filed after an investigation. Mr. Hegseth’s lawyer stated that the encounter in question was consensual.
The negative consequences of the situation have put Mr. Hegseth’s potential leadership of the Defense Department under threat in the upcoming Trump administration. Sources suggest that President-elect Donald J. Trump is considering different candidates for the position.
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