At first, Hegseth was relieved. The idea that Mateo might be reunited with his family brought hope—until the reality set in.
Mateo’s parents, though grateful their son was safe, had different plans. Due to cultural differences, legal complications, and a long custody battle abroad, they decided to take Mateo back immediately to their home country—without so much as a transitional period. For Hegseth, the news came like a thunderbolt. No warning. No goodbye.
Experts in international custody law and child protection argue that without proper legal support, foster parents can face situations similar to medical malpractice—where emotional harm is caused despite good intentions.
“They came in with documents and a decision,” one insider revealed. “Pete was heartbroken. He didn’t even get to say a proper farewell.”
A Heart Left Shattered. In the days following the reunion, Hegseth withdrew from the spotlight. Close friends say he was devastated, feeling like he had failed Mateo—despite doing everything he could to provide love and stability.
“He told me, ‘I thought I was giving him a forever home, not a layover,’” shared a close confidant. In a private message to a colleague, Pete wrote, “I don’t regret opening my home to him. I regret not getting the chance to fight harder for him to stay. I would’ve moved mountains for that boy.”
