‘Lies, Cheats, Sleeps Around And Uses Women For…’: Mother Of Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick In Leaked Email

Trump's Defense Secretary nominee, Pete Hegseth, faces scrutiny for alleged mistreatment of women. His mother initially accused him but later retracted her statements, defending his character.

File Photo of United States President-elect Donald Trump and his Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth

Source : Instagram/@petehegseth

United States President-elect Donald Trump's Defense Secretary pick Pete Hegseth, a veteran of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, has drawn attention not only for his career achievements but also for allegations concerning his treatment of women, which are expected to be a focal point during his Senate confirmation hearings.

The New York Times reported that in 2018, Hegseth's mother, Penelope Hegseth, wrote an emotional email accusing her son of mistreating women and displaying questionable character traits. “On behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way, I say … get some help and take an honest look at yourself,” she wrote.

According to NYT's report, Penelope expressed her frustration, stating, “I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth.”  

However, Penelope clarified her stance in a recent phone interview with The New York Times. She revealed that she had sent a follow-up email apologising for her earlier remarks, which she admitted were made in anger during her son’s difficult divorce. She disavowed the sentiments expressed in the original email, saying, “It is not true. It has never been true.” Defending her son, she added, “I know my son. He is a good father, husband.” She criticised the publication of the original email, calling it “disgusting.”  

Donald Trump On His Defense Secretary Pick Pete Hegseth

Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, 12 November 2024, the nomination of Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth as his Defense Secretary. 

Trump had expressed unwavering confidence in Hegseth’s abilities, describing him as a staunch advocate for America’s armed forces. “With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice — Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down,” Trump said in a statement. “Nobody fights harder for the Troops, and Pete will be a courageous and patriotic champion of our ‘Peace through Strength’ policy.”  

Hegseth, who unsuccessfully ran for the Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News, is one of many high-profile appointments announced by Trump as he shapes his administration. In a series of announcements, Trump also named Bill McGinley, who served as Cabinet secretary during his first administration, as White House counsel. Additionally, Tesla owner Elon Musk and Indian American entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy were tapped to lead the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).  

Trump’s transition process is notably more streamlined compared to his 2016 administration, with nominees and appointees being unveiled at a brisk pace.