US Defence Pick's Mother Accuses Him Of Abusing Women For Years: 'Belittles, Lies, Cheats, Sleeps Around'

The mother of Pete Hegseth, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for Defence Secretary, accused him of mistreating women over the years and displaying a lack of moral character.

The email, written in 2018, was made public by The New York Times just weeks before the new administration takes office in January.

Photo Credit: https://www.facebook.com/PeteHegseth

Penelope Hegseth's Strongly Worded Email

"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," Penelope Hegseth wrote in the email, adding that she still loved him.

"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," the email continued.

Penelope Hegseth backtracks

In a phone interview with The New York Times on Friday, Pete's mother explained that she had immediately reached out to apologise for the email, clarifying that it had been written "in anger and with emotion" during his divorce from his wife.

She defended her son, renouncing the criticisms she had previously made about his character and treatment of women, asserting that they were untrue.

Referring to the publication of her original email as "disgusting," she stated, "It has never been true. I know my son. He is a good father, husband," as reported by The New York Times.

Concerns regarding Hegseth's treatment of women have resurfaced following his nomination by Trump. This issue is expected to undergo significant scrutiny during the Senate confirmation hearings.

Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and Army veteran, was nominated by President-elect Trump to serve as Secretary of Defence. In his announcement of the nomination on social media, Trump praised Hegseth as "tough, smart, and a true believer in America First."