CNN’s Jim Acosta’s Mocking Of Pete Hegseth’s Mom Backfires [WATCH]

Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Defense, is facing intense media scrutiny and allegations as his confirmation process begins.

Hegseth, a former Army officer and Fox News contributor, has been accused of heavy drinking and past misconduct, allegations that his defenders have dismissed as attempts to derail his nomination.

Amid the media frenzy, new focus has been placed on a 2018 email from Hegseth’s mother, Penelope Hegseth, in which she accused her son of being an “abuser of women.”

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The email, written during what she described as a difficult divorce between Hegseth and his then-wife, has been seized upon by critics.

However, Penelope Hegseth appeared on Fox & Friends to clarify the context and defend her son.

“I wrote that out of love,” Penelope Hegseth said. “And about two hours later, I retracted it with an apology email, but nobody’s seen that.”

She explained that the email was written “in haste” and under “deep emotions.” Addressing Republican senators, particularly women, she said, “I’m here to tell the truth to the American people and to Republican senators on the Hill—especially our female senators.”

The email had been published by The New York Times, which reported that Penelope Hegseth wrote she was speaking “on behalf of all the women (and I know it’s many) you have abused in some way.” She urged her son to “get some help and take an honest look at yourself.” Despite the resurfacing of this email, Penelope Hegseth emphasized that her initial statement had been retracted shortly after it was sent.

“Well, I mean, I think his mother is out there because some outlets have printed and reported on a previous email she sent several years ago,” Singleton said. “I think she feels the need—and I think she should—to come out and clarify what was going on between her, her son, and their family at that particular time. I think she did an outstanding job on Fox News.”

Acosta pressed further, criticizing Hegseth for allegedly needing his mother to intervene in the confirmation process.

Singleton dismissed the criticism, highlighting that character references from family and friends are a standard part of the confirmation process.

CNN’s @MrShermichael Singleton battles Jim Acosta when the latter mocks @PeteHegseth’s mom speaking out on the 2018 email and defending the man he is now:

Singleton: “Well, I mean, I think his mother is out there because some outlets have printed and reported on a previous email… pic.twitter.com/jz40XZo6vP

— Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) December 6, 2024

Despite the allegations and media focus, President-elect Trump has reiterated his full support for Hegseth. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Pete Hegseth is doing very well. His support is strong and deep, much more so than the Fake News would have you believe. He was a great student—Princeton/Harvard educated—with a Military state of mind. He will be a fantastic, high energy, Secretary of Defense, one who leads with charisma and skill. Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!”

BREAKING: Trump backs up Pete Hegseth, says his “support is strong and deep, much more than the fake news would have you believe.”

“Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!” pic.twitter.com/mQ7hVxf2fD

— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) December 6, 2024

Hegseth’s confirmation process has become a flashpoint for criticism from Democrats and some moderate Republicans, but the support from Trump and key allies appears unwavering.

With the process still in its early stages, the scrutiny surrounding Hegseth shows no signs of diminishing, but his defenders remain resolute.

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