Former Fox News personality Pete Hegseth’s attempt to use his mother as a character witness while vying to become Donald Trump’s next secretary of defense may have backfired, according to MSNBC’s Mika Brzezinski.
On “Morning Joe,” Brzezinski weighed in on Penelope Hegseth’s interview on Fox News, where she insisted that her son had changed, following accusations of abuse and problematic behavior that have come to light during his nomination process.
Brzezinski argued that Penelope Hegseth’s defense only reinforced the negative perceptions about her son’s past, particularly his history with women. “His mother saying he’s changed doesn’t deny the very serious allegations against him,” Brzezinski stated, noting that the interview ended up highlighting the allegations rather than absolving him.
Penelope Hegseth’s email from 2017, in which she accused her son of being a “serial abuser” of women, has resurfaced as a significant point of contention in his bid for the Pentagon’s top position. The allegations were compounded by a separate report detailing Hegseth’s alleged drinking problem, casting further doubt on his suitability for the role.
Brzezinski suggested that his mother’s attempt to vouch for his character only served to acknowledge the past issues. “Saying he’s changed actually accepts those allegations and wants us, the United States, the people of the United States, and those who are going to be vetting him to believe that he did some of these things, but he’s changed now?” Brzezinski asked.
Her comments reflect the growing concerns surrounding Hegseth’s potential confirmation as defense secretary, with multiple reports of misconduct threatening to derail his nomination. She wrapped up the segment with a touch of humor, adding, “Thanks, mom,” as she dismissed the attempted defense.
The remarks highlight the complications that continue to surround Hegseth’s nomination, particularly the focus on his personal history which could prove difficult for him to overcome during the confirmation process.