Pete Hegseth’s mother accused the The New York Times of making “threats” by calling about its story on an email she had sent to her son six years earlier that criticized his treatment of

Pete Hegseth's mother defended him on Fox News against past accusations of mistreating women, claiming her previous email was written in haste. His nomination for defense secretary faces scrutiny over alleged sexual misconduct,

Penelope Hegseth is Pete’s mother. In 2018, she wrote an email to her son about his treatment toward women.

Penelope Hegseth said she and her son are "very close today" and emphasized that the email in which she criticized him was from seven years ago.

Penelope Hegseth appeared on "Fox & Friends" following the publication of an email she wrote him in 2018 accusing him of mistreating women.

Penelope Hegseth, the defense secretary nominee's mother, said she regretted sending a 2018 email alleging he had abused women.

Hegseth's mother said in the email, published by The New York Times, that she was writing on "behalf of all the women (and I know it's many) you have abused in some way," telling

Pete Hegseth's mother, Penelope Hegseth, made an appearance on Fox News to address her past criticism of her son and clarify that he is "redeemed" and "doesn't misuse women." NBC News' Courtney Kube reports on how President-elect Trump may be considering replacing Hegseth as his pick to serve as the secretary of defense.

Penelope Hegseth’s attempt to dispel concerns about her son, defense secretary nominee Pete Hegseth, by vouching for him on Fox News seemingly did not immediately sway people. On Wednesday morning, Penelope appeared on Fox & Friends to downplay the severity of a harsh email she sent to her son in 2018 after an extramarital affair ended his second marriage.