Pete Hegseth is a prominent American television host, author, and veteran, best known for his role as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. Born on June 6, 1980, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, he served in the U.S. Army as an infantry officer and gained recognition for his leadership during deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. His experience in the military shaped his perspectives on national security and politics, which he often discusses in his media career. Pete Hegseth’s biography showcases a dynamic blend of service, media presence, and advocacy as he continues influencing public discourse on conservative issues. His educational background includes a degree from Princeton University, further cementing his status as a knowledgeable and influential figure.
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Pete Hegseth Biography
Peter Brian Hegseth, born June 6, 1980, is a distinguished American television presenter, author, and former Army National Guard officer. He made headlines in 2024 when President-elect Donald Trump announced Hegseth as his nominee for United States Secretary of Defense in his second cabinet. Known for his outspoken conservative views, Hegseth has built a career that spans military service, political commentary, and media hosting, gaining significant influence in Republican circles. His rise to prominence began with his military service, which included deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, where he served with distinction as a national guardsman.
Hegseth’s academic background is rooted in his time at Princeton University, where he graduated before beginning his career in the U.S. Army. His experiences in the military shaped his perspectives, particularly on national security and the needs of veterans. After his service, he became active in conservative politics, advocating for veterans’ issues. He served as the executive director of Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, two organizations focused on supporting military personnel and promoting a robust defence policy. His advocacy work has made him a respected voice in both veteran communities and among conservative policymakers.
In addition to his political and military career, Hegseth gained wide recognition as a commentator for Fox News. Since 2014, he has contributed to the network’s coverage of various political and military topics, becoming a regular presence on the airwaves. His role as co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024 further solidified his position in the media landscape. His insightful commentary on defence policy, veterans’ rights, and conservative values made him a prominent figure in the media. At the same time, his occasional advisory role to President Trump during his first term deepened his involvement in national political discourse.
Hegseth has also authored several books that align with his political beliefs. His 2020 work, American Crusade, addresses the ideological battle he perceives within American society, while his 2024 release, The War on Warriors, delves into issues facing military personnel and the challenges they face both in and out of uniform. Despite not being chosen to lead the Department of Veterans Affairs during the first Trump administration, Hegseth’s influence grew, mainly through his close ties to the former president. His life and career reflect his deep commitment to conservative ideals, military service, and the welfare of America’s veterans.
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Early Life Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth was born to Brian and Penny Hegseth on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father, Brian, was a basketball coach, and his mother, Penny, helped shape his upbringing in Forest Lake, just outside Minneapolis. Growing up in a family that valued discipline and hard work, Hegseth was exposed to the importance of education, teamwork, and leadership at an early age. His strong family foundation and his parents’ emphasis on athleticism and achievement would later influence his career and personal values.
Hegseth’s family background includes Norwegian heritage on both sides, a cultural aspect that shaped his identity. This connection to his Scandinavian roots is often reflected in his grounded and pragmatic approach to life, which values hard work, responsibility, and integrity. Hegseth’s formative years in Forest Lake and his deep ties to his heritage laid the groundwork for his future endeavours in politics, military service, and media, all influenced by a sense of duty and commitment to his country.
Educational Background
A combination of academic excellence and athletic achievement marked Pete Hegseth’s high school years. He attended Forest Lake Area High School, where he excelled in football and basketball. His dedication to his studies earned him the honour of graduating as the valedictorian of his class in 1999. Hegseth’s strong work ethic and leadership abilities were evident early on, setting the stage for his future success at Princeton University, where he would continue to build on his academic and extracurricular accomplishments.
At Princeton, Hegseth pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, graduating in 2003. His academic work focused on modern political rhetoric, as demonstrated in his senior thesis titled Modern Presidential Rhetoric and the Cold War Context. Under the guidance of Professor Patrick Deneen, Hegseth explored how U.S. presidents used rhetoric to navigate the tensions of the Cold War. This scholarly foundation in political theory would later influence his commentary on contemporary political issues.
Hegseth was also heavily involved in campus life at Princeton, mainly through his work with The Princeton Tory, the university’s conservative student newspaper. He rose to the role of publisher, where he had significant influence over the publication’s editorial direction. Hegseth used the platform to voice his conservative beliefs and sometimes stirred controversy. One notable instance was when he published an article 2002 defending a student’s controversial views on consent, which led to significant backlash. Despite such moments of controversy, his leadership in the publication played a key role in shaping his future voice as a conservative commentator.
In addition to his academic and publishing pursuits, Hegseth was a committed athlete. He played basketball for the Princeton Tigers, competing under coach John Thompson III. His team’s success, including a trip to the NCAA tournament 2001 showcased his teamwork and competitive spirit. While basketball didn’t become a career path for Hegseth, the discipline and experience he gained through sports complemented his academic and leadership development during his time at Princeton.
Hegseth’s time at Princeton also marked the beginning of his military career. In 2001, he joined the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), an experience that would become a defining part of his life. The leadership training and military discipline he received through ROTC laid the groundwork for his future service in the Army National Guard. This decision to pursue military service, alongside his academic and extracurricular interests, helped shape Hegseth’s worldview and career trajectory in both the political and media realms.
Personal Life
Pete Hegseth’s personal life has been marked by relationships that have garnered public attention. In 2004, he married his first wife, Meredith Schwarz, his high school girlfriend from Minnesota. However, their marriage ended in 2009 after Hegseth admitted to having multiple extramarital affairs. This admission contributed to their divorce, which was a significant and painful chapter in Hegseth’s life. Despite the personal turmoil, he moved forward, and in 2010, he remarried Samantha Deering, with whom he has three sons. Their relationship seemed more stable, but another chapter of his life would soon unfold.
In 2017, while still married to Samantha, Hegseth’s personal life took another complicated turn when his daughter, Gwen, was born to Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox executive producer. This led to Samantha filing a divorce in September 2017, finalized in 2018 after a lengthy 10-month process. Following the divorce, Hegseth and Rauchet, who already had three children from a previous marriage, married in August 2019. The details of Hegseth’s relationships, particularly the infidelity and subsequent divorce proceedings, attracted widespread media attention and stirred controversy, particularly as he navigated these personal challenges while maintaining his public persona.
During his second divorce proceedings, Hegseth received a deeply critical email from his mother, Penelope Hegseth, accusing him of abusive behaviour toward women. In the message, she described her son as a man who belittled, lied, and mistreated women for his ego and power, a harsh assessment that left her both embarrassed and saddened. This email, which was sent in 2018, was published by The New York Times in November 2024 after Hegseth’s nomination for Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump. Penelope later regretted the harshness of her words, explaining that the email was written out of anger and emotion and that she had apologized for her comments shortly afterwards, insisting that the characterization was inaccurate.
Hegseth’s journey also includes a significant religious transformation that he underwent in 2018, following his marriage to his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet. This shift in faith became an essential part of his life. Hegseth identified as a Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship member, a church affiliated with the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. His religious beliefs have significantly shaped his worldview and public persona, particularly as he embraced a renewed sense of purpose and spirituality following the tumultuous periods in his personal life.
Known for his bold and outspoken persona, Hegseth also expresses his identity through several tattoos, including a Jerusalem cross on his chest and the Latin phrase “Deus Vult,” meaning “God wills it,” inked on his bicep. These tattoos are more than just personal adornments; they reflect Hegseth’s deep faith and commitment to his beliefs, both as a man and a public figure. His tattoos, alongside his religious transformation, symbolize a journey of self-reflection and a desire to find meaning and purpose in his life beyond the controversies and challenges he has faced.
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Professional Career
After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, Pete Hegseth entered the financial world, taking a position as an equity capital markets analyst at Bear Stearns. Despite the promising start in the finance industry, Hegseth’s sense of duty to his country led him to pursue a career in the military. He was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Minnesota National Guard, beginning his long-term commitment to military service. This transition from finance to the armed forces set the stage for a career where Hegseth would blend leadership in both civilian and military sectors.
In 2004, Hegseth’s National Guard unit was deployed to Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, where he served under the 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, part of the 101st Airborne Division. He took on the role of an infantry platoon leader, overseeing soldiers in one of the most high-profile military facilities in the world. His leadership skills were quickly recognized, and his contributions were acknowledged with an Army Commendation Medal. His time at Guantanamo Bay solidified his dedication to military service and began to shape his perspectives on national security.
In the summer of 2005, following his deployment to Cuba, Hegseth returned to Bear Stearns but soon decided to leave the finance world again. His sense of duty prompted him to volunteer for another deployment to Iraq. From 2005 to 2006, Hegseth served in Baghdad and Samarra, initially as an infantry platoon leader and later in a civil-military operations officer role. This second deployment proved to be a significant turning point in his military career, as he was exposed to the complex realities of combat while working to improve relationships between the army and local Iraqi civilians.
Hegseth’s leadership in Iraq was marked by his ability to adapt to the changing needs of the mission. His work as a civil-military operations officer was vital, as he coordinated military and civilian efforts in the region. His actions in Iraq earned him the Bronze Star Medal and a second Army Commendation Medal, underscoring his dedication and effectiveness in a challenging and dangerous environment. These honours were a testament to Hegseth’s ability to lead under pressure and his commitment to the mission’s success.
The experiences Hegseth gained during his time in Iraq and at Guantanamo Bay profoundly shaped his views on military leadership and national security. His firsthand experience in the field and his academic background gave him a unique perspective that would influence his later career as a political commentator and advocate for veterans’ issues. His military service deepened his patriotism and cemented his role as an outspoken proponent of a strong and effective U.S. defence policy.
Political Career
In 2012, Pete Hegseth made his foray into political office by running for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota. Eager to bring his conservative views and leadership experience to Washington, Hegseth campaigned on a platform focused on fiscal responsibility, national security, and veterans’ issues. However, after a competitive convention in May 2012, Hegseth withdrew from the race, citing the desire to avoid a prolonged primary battle. His decision came just months before the August Republican primary election, in which Kurt Bills ultimately won the nomination to challenge the incumbent Democratic Senator, Amy Klobuchar.
Although Hegseth’s bid for the Senate seat was short-lived, it was a notable chapter in his political journey, demonstrating his willingness to step into the political arena and engage in public service at the highest levels. His campaign allowed him to connect with Republican voters in Minnesota and showcase his deep commitment to conservative values. Despite not securing the nomination, Hegseth’s involvement in the race marked a pivotal moment in his political career. It helped raise his profile as a prominent conservative voice in the state.
Pete Hegseth’s Nomination as U.S. Secretary of Defense
On November 12, 2024, President-elect Donald Trump announced his intention to nominate Pete Hegseth as the next U.S. Secretary of Defense, quickly attracting significant attention. To take up the role, Hegseth ended his tenure at Fox News, where he had gained fame as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. His background as a military officer and vocal conservative made him a fitting candidate in Trump’s eyes, but the announcement was met with scrutiny. Critics raised concerns about Hegseth’s conduct and qualifications, setting the stage for a contentious confirmation process.
Shortly after the nomination, a memo detailing a 2017 sexual assault allegation against Hegseth was sent to Trump’s transition team. The accusation sparked immediate concern among several senators, including Republican Kevin Cramer, who acknowledged that the allegation posed a serious challenge, particularly in light of ongoing efforts to address sexual assault within the military. Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth also voiced strong disapproval, calling Hegseth’s nomination “troubling” and accusing him of undermining the integrity of the Department of Defense by nominating someone with such serious accusations against them.
As the nomination progressed, more reports questioned Hegseth’s behaviour at Fox News. Several colleagues came forward, claiming that Hegseth had shown up to work either intoxicated or hungover on multiple occasions. These revelations added to the controversy surrounding his nomination, with some lawmakers expressing concern over his fitness for office. In response to these claims, Hegseth assured senators that, if confirmed, he would cease drinking entirely, though his assurances did little to quell the growing criticism.
Another issue raised was Hegseth’s relative lack of experience in high-level defence and national security matters. While his military service in the Minnesota National Guard was a notable part of his background, critics pointed out that Hegseth had never held a senior position in military operations or worked on national security policy. Some senators questioned his ability to lead the Department of Defense because he had no direct experience with defence acquisition or managing a large government agency. This lack of understanding made many sceptical about his qualifications for such a critical role.
On January 14, 2025, Hegseth appeared before the Senate Armed Services Committee to defend his nomination. He addressed the allegations of sexual assault, financial mismanagement, and public drunkenness, vehemently denying the accusations. During the hearing, Hegseth also discussed his personal growth, stating that he had been “redeemed by Jesus” for his past mistakes. He framed his failings as part of a more extensive journey of redemption, hoping to convince senators of his readiness to lead the Department of Defense with integrity and accountability. Despite his testimony, many senators remained divided, unsure of whether his past issues outweighed his potential as a leader of the U.S. military.
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Hegseth’s Books
Pete Hegseth has made significant contributions to the literary world, particularly with his writings on American values, politics, and the military. His first book, In the Arena (2016), delves into the importance of civic engagement and the need for conservatives to rise to the challenges of the modern political landscape. In American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020), Hegseth discusses the threats to American freedom and advocates for a conservative resurgence in the fight to preserve the nation’s foundational principles. This book reflects his deep concern about the country’s direction and his call to action for those who share his beliefs in liberty and self-determination.
Hegseth’s later works further expand his concerns about education and military service. In Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation (2022), he critiques the state of American education, arguing that it has strayed from its core mission of fostering informed, patriotic citizens. His 2024 book, The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free, examines the struggles military veterans face and the betrayal they often experience from political leaders and society. Additionally, Hegseth wrote the foreword for The Case Against the Establishment (2017), a book by Nick Adams and Dave Erickson that critiques the political elite. Through these works, Hegseth has established himself as a leading voice in conservative thought, particularly in discussions about the military, education, and American identity.
Pete Hegseth’s Awards
Pete Hegseth’s military service has been recognized with numerous prestigious awards and honours, reflecting his dedication and accomplishments throughout his career. Among his most notable awards is the Bronze Star Medal, which he received twice for his exceptional leadership and service during his deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan. In addition, Hegseth earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, a mark of distinction for soldiers engaged in direct combat. His exemplary service also earned him the Army Commendation Medal twice and the Joint Service Commendation Medal, recognizing his contributions across various branches of the military.
Hegseth’s decorations include several campaign and service medals highlighting his involvement in primary military operations. These include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the Iraq Campaign Medal, both with two service stars, reflecting his extensive operational experience in both theatres of war. Other honours he received during service include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals, the NATO Medal for his role in the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with a bronze hourglass device. These awards demonstrate his leadership and valour and underscore his commitment to defending U.S. interests at home and abroad.
Pete Hegseth’ Net Worth
Pete Hegseth’s net worth is estimated to be around $3 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his diverse career, including his military service and work as a television personality, author, and public speaker. Hegseth earned a substantial income as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, where he worked for several years, and from his appearances on various other Fox News programs. His books, such as American Crusade and Battle for the American Mind, have also contributed to his financial standing, with book sales and speaking engagements adding to his earnings. His career in the public eye and his work in conservative politics have helped Hegseth establish himself as a prominent figure in American media and public discourse.
FAQs
How many marriages has Pete Hegseth had?
Pete Hegseth has been married three times. His first marriage was to Meredith Schwarz in 2004, but they divorced in 2009. In 2010, he married his second wife, Samantha Deering, with whom he has three sons. They divorced in 2018. Hegseth married his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet, in 2019.
Who is Pete Hegseth’s second wife?
Pete Hegseth’s second wife is Samantha Deering. The couple married in 2010 and have three sons together. They divorced in 2018 after a tumultuous period in their relationship.
