President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is under fire following the release of a 2018 email from his mother, Penelope Hegseth, accusing him of mistreating women and exhibiting a lack of character.
The email, which has resurfaced amid Senate confirmation discussions, raises questions about Hegseth’s suitability to lead the Pentagon, writes the New York Times.
A Mother’s Scathing Words
In the email, Penelope Hegseth expressed deep disappointment in her son’s behavior, writing, “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 described him as a man who “belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego.”
Penelope later told The New York Times that the email was written “in anger” during her son’s contentious divorce from his second wife, Samantha, and said she had immediately apologized. “It is not true. It has never been true,” she said of her initial accusations, calling the publication of the email “disgusting.”
A Pattern of Controversy
Reports of infidelity and allegations of misconduct have dogged Hegseth in recent years. During his divorce from Samantha, it emerged that he had fathered a child with Fox News producer Jennifer Rauchet while still married. Hegseth and Rauchet wed in 2019 at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey.
In 2017, a rape allegation against Hegseth surfaced following a political conference in California. While no charges were filed, the incident remains a point of contention. Hegseth has maintained the encounter was consensual and later paid the accuser a settlement to protect his career.
Divorce Battles and Family Struggles
Hegseth’s contentious divorce from Samantha included allegations of emotional abuse and prolonged custody disputes over their three children. Court records reveal instances where Hegseth was reprimanded for hostile communication, with a court-appointed consultant demanding an “action plan” to curb degrading behavior.
Senate Confirmation Challenges
Hegseth’s personal history is expected to be a focus during his Senate confirmation hearings. While some Republican senators have downplayed the allegations, others, like Senator Joni Ernst, have called for thorough vetting.
Trump’s Defense and Support
The Trump team has rallied behind Hegseth, with spokesperson Steven Cheung condemning the email’s publication as an “out-of-context snippet.” Vice President-elect J.D. Vance has also lent his support, praising Hegseth’s military service and leadership.
A Divided Legacy
Hegseth, a self-proclaimed Christian and advocate of conservative family values, has often credited his upbringing for shaping his worldview. However, his history of personal and professional controversies has cast a shadow over his nomination, raising critical questions about his ability to lead the Defense Department.
As the confirmation process unfolds, Hegseth’s past—both personal and professional—will remain under intense scrutiny, with his mother’s words adding a dramatic and deeply personal layer to the debate.
