An email sent by Penelope Hegseth to her son, Pete Hegseth, in April 2018, has been published by The New York Times, revealing severe allegations against the former Fox News host, who was selected by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as Secretary of Defense.
The email, sent after Pete Hegseth’s actions reportedly hurt a woman named Samantha, accuses him of being an “abuser of women” and outlines numerous accusations of dishonesty, infidelity, and manipulative behavior.
The Fox News anchor has come under intense scrutiny for his maltreatment of women, including an allegation of rape.
In the email, Penelope Hegseth writes that her son’s treatment of women—including cheating, belittling, and using them for his own gain—has caused her significant pain and embarrassment. She asserts that his behavior over the years has been harmful and that she can no longer remain silent about it.
The email also references specific individuals, including Samantha and Meredith, and criticizes Pete Hegseth for labeling Samantha as “unstable” in a bid to manipulate the situation.
Penelope further emphasizes that she and others are on the “side of good” in supporting those affected by his actions, urging him to seek help and take an honest look at himself.
While the email includes a redacted portion for privacy, it concludes with Penelope expressing love for her son but also stating that the family is “broken” by his behavior.
She asks for no response, noting that she does not want to engage in further debate, as she believes he manipulates conversations to his advantage.
The release of the email has garnered attention due to its serious nature and the public role Pete Hegseth would later assume in the Trump administration.
It sheds light on the personal conflicts within the Hegseth family, concerning the nominee’s treatment of women.
The following is the text of the email that Penelope Hegseth sent to her son, Pete Hegseth, on April 30, 2018, which was published by The New York Times with one sentence redacted for privacy reasons.
Son,
I have tried to keep quiet about your character and behavior, but after listening to the way you made Samantha feel today, I cannot stay silent. And as a woman and your mother I feel I must speak out..
You are an abuser of women — that is the ugly truth and 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.
I am not a saint, far from it.. so don’t throw that in my face,. but your abuse over the years to women (dishonesty, sleeping around, betrayal, debasing, belittling) needs to be called out.
Sam is a good mother and a good person (under the circumstances that you created) and I know deep down you know that. For you to try to label her as “unstable” for your own advantage is despicable and abusive. Is there any sense of decency left in you? She did not ask for or deserve any of what has come to her by your hand. Neither did Meredith.
I know you think this is one big competition and that we have taken her side… bunk… we are on the side of good and that is not you. (Go ahead and call me self-righteous, I dont’ care)
Don’t you dare run to her and cry foul that we shared with us… that’s what babies do. It’s time for someone (I wish it was a strong man) to stand up to your abusive behavior and call it out, especially against women
We still love you, but we are broken by your behavior and lack of character. I don’t want to write emails like this and never thought I would. If it damages our relationship further, then so be it, but at least I have said my piece. [Redacted]
And yes, we are praying for you (and you don’t deserve to know how we are praying, so skip the snarky reply)
I don’t want an answer to this… I don’t want to debate with you. You twist and abuse everything I say anyway. But… 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…
Mom