Penelope Hegseth Defends Son Amid Media Controversy

Penelope Hegseth, mother of Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Secretary of Defense, defended her son during an appearance on 'Fox & Friends' after a disparaging email she sent him in 2018 was leaked. In the email, she criticized him for mistreating women amid his divorce, but she later retracted her statements, claiming they were made in haste and emotion. Penelope accused the New York Times of using 'despicable' tactics by threatening to publish her email unless she made a statement, labeling their actions as 'almost criminal.' Despite ongoing allegations against her son, including sexual misconduct and alcohol abuse, she insists he has changed and is fit for the role. She urged senators to disregard media portrayals and emphasized her son's growth over the past seven years. The controversy surrounding Pete Hegseth's nomination continues as some Republicans express concerns about his past behavior.