Pete Hegseth is an American military veteran, television personality, author, and political figure who currently serves as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump’s second administration.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Pete Hegseth was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota. He graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013.
Military Service
Commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard in 2003, Hegseth served in various deployments, including Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His military honors include two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Media and Political Career
After his military service, Hegseth became a contributor to Fox News in 2014 and later co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend.” He also led veterans’ advocacy groups such as Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. In 2012, he briefly ran for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota but withdrew before the primary.
Secretary of Defense
In January 2025, Hegseth was sworn in as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense. His appointment was notable due to his media background and required a congressional waiver, as he had not been out of military service for the mandated seven years.
Family and Personal Life
Hegseth is the son of Penelope and Brian Hegseth. He has been married three times: first to Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009), then to Samantha Deering (2010–2017), with whom he has three children, and currently to Jennifer Rauchet since 2019. Rauchet, a former Fox News executive producer, has three children from a previous marriage. Together, Hegseth and Rauchet have one daughter, bringing his total number of children to seven.
Publications
Hegseth has authored several books reflecting his conservative viewpoints, including:
- In the Arena (2016)
- American Crusade (2020)
- Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation (2022)
- The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free (2024)
Notable Facts
- Age: 44 (as of 2024)
- Height: 6 feet (183 cm)
- Military Rank: Major (U.S. Army National Guard)
- Political Affiliation: Republican
- Social Media: Over 360,000 followers on Instagram
Pete Hegseth‘s journey from military service to media and into a significant governmental role underscores his influence in contemporary American politics.
(FAQs) about Pete Hegseth
Q: When and where was Pete Hegseth born?
A: Pete Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Q: How old is Pete Hegseth?
A: As of 2025, he is 44 years old.
Q: What is Pete Hegseth’s educational background?
A: He graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013.
Q: What is Pete Hegseth’s height?
A: He stands approximately 6 feet (183 cm) tall.
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Q: Who are Pete Hegseth’s parents?
A: His parents are Penelope and Brian Hegseth.
Q: How many times has Pete Hegseth been married?
A: He has been married three times: to Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009), Samantha Deering (2010–2017), and Jennifer Rauchet (since 2019).
Q: How many children does Pete Hegseth have?
A: He has seven children.
Q: What is Pete Hegseth’s military background?
A: He served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, with deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Q: What military awards has Pete Hegseth received?
A: His honors include two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
Q: When did Pete Hegseth become Secretary of Defense?
A: He was sworn in as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025.
Q: What is Pete Hegseth’s media background?
A: He became a Fox News contributor in 2014 and later co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend.”
Q: What books has Pete Hegseth authored?
A: His notable works include:
- In the Arena (2016)
- American Crusade (2020)
- Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation (2022)
- The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free (2024)
Q: Has Pete Hegseth faced any controversies?
A: Yes, his tenure has been marked by several controversies, including cybersecurity lapses involving the use of Signal for sensitive communications, and scrutiny over his wife Jennifer Rauchet’s unofficial yet influential role in Pentagon affairs.