Penelope Hegseth, the mother of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for secretary of defence, is now defending her son after previously accusing him of mistreating women in a 2018 email.
Speaking on Fox News’ ‘Fox & Friends’ on Wednesday, she claimed her earlier words were written “in haste” and with “deep emotions” during a difficult period in her son’s life.
“I wrote that out of love,” Penelope said during the interview, explaining that the email was sent during Pete’s contentious divorce from his second wife, Samantha.
The email, published by The New York Times, accused Pete of being an “abuser of women” and criticised him for “dishonesty, sleeping around, betrayal, debasing, and belittling.” However, she noted that just two hours later, she sent an apology email retracting her accusations, although that email has not surfaced publicly.
Media criticism
Penelope Hegseth took aim at The New York Times for publishing her email, accusing the outlet of threatening her for a comment. “They say, ‘Unless you make a statement, we will publish it as is.’ I think that’s a despicable way to treat anyone,” she told Fox News.
She expressed gratitude to Trump for his belief in her son, stating, “Trump knows Pete. And he knows the Pete of today.” Penelope described her son as a devoted patriot and father, adding, “He’s fought and almost died for this country.”
Allegations cloud nomination
Hegseth’s nomination has been overshadowed by a slew of allegations, including sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement at veterans’ charities, and concerns over his drinking habits.
A 2017 police report alleged sexual assault, which Hegseth denied but later settled out of court for an undisclosed sum. The New Yorker also detailed claims from former colleagues that Hegseth turned a blind eye to harassment and engaged in inappropriate behaviour while leading veteran advocacy groups.
Despite these accusations, Hegseth has remained resolute. Speaking to CBS News, he said, “Why would I back down? I’ve always been a fighter. I’m here for the fighters.”
President-elect Trump has so far stood by Hegseth, reportedly telling him to “keep fighting” amid the increasing criticism.
As the allegations mount, speculation has arisen that Trump may replace Hegseth with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a former Navy legal officer. DeSantis, who was initially considered for the role, is reportedly back on the shortlist, as doubts about Hegseth’s confirmation continue to grow.
Meanwhile, Hegseth continues to meet with Republican senators to garner support, but his path to confirmation appears increasingly challenging.
Reports from CBS News indicate that several senators, including Lindsey Graham, have expressed concerns about the “disturbing” allegations.
