NEW YORK — The mother of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for defense secretary, offered a full-forced endorsement of her son for the role Wednesday as a series of controversial reports, including one involving herself, raised new questions in recent days about his chances of landing the job.
In an interview on Fox News’ “Fox and Friends” – the network Hegseth worked for as an on-air commentator and host himself – Penelope Hegseth made the case that her son is a “changed man” from seven years ago when she wrote him an email accusing him of mistreating women. The email came to light in a story by The New York Times last week.
“Pete is a new person – he's redeemed, forgiven, changed," Penelope Hegseth said. "I think we all are after seven years. I believe he's the man for the job.”
Hegseth noted that her son was going through “a very difficult divorce” at the time and she wrote the email – in which she accused him, among other things, of lying, cheating, sleeping around and using women, according to The New York Times – “in haste.” She went on to say that she sent him an apology email about two hours later, arguing that no one is talking about that part of the story and blasting the media.
“He’s a changed man, and I just hope people will get to know who Pete is today, especially our dear female senators – that you would listen to him, listen with your heart to the truth of Pete,” she said.
The story detailing the email by The New York Times added to a list of controversies surrounding the Army National Guard veteran and Fox News host since Trump tapped him to lead the Defense Department less than a week after the Nov. 5 election.
An investigative report made public soon after the announcement detailed a woman’s allegation that Hegseth sexually assaulted her in 2017. Hegseth denied wrongdoing and argued the encounter was consensual. Another report by The New Yorker over the weekend detailed alleged concerns about his drinking habits, sexual behavior and more in two previous jobs. Hegseth has also faced questions about his beliefs on women serving in combat roles.
The former Fox News host has spent the week on Capitol Hill seeking to shore up support from Republican senators who are in charge of confirming Cabinet nominees in the new year.
And it comes as Trump is reportedly weighing other options for the job, including his onetime rival to be the Republican presidential nominee, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Associated Press reported.
At the Capitol on Wednesday, Hegseth told CBS News he is not dropping out of consideration, noting that he spoke with Trump earlier in the day.
“He said, ‘Keep going, keep fighting. I’m behind you all the way,’” Hegseth said.
Asked about his mother’s interview on Fox News, Hegseth said, “I love my mom, and I appreciate her, and by the grace of God, all of us change."