Peter Brian Hegseth is an American television host, author, and Army National Guard officer who is reportedly the top candidate to be nominated as United States Secretary of Defense in Donald Trump’s second cabinet. Hegseth is a political commentator for Fox News and was formerly the executive director of Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. Hegseth has been involved in conservative and Republican politics since his undergraduate years at Princeton University. In 2016, he became a vocal supporter and ally of Donald Trump’s presidential campaign, advising Trump on various matters throughout his presidency.
Pete Hegseth Biography 2025
He is said to have played a key role in persuading Trump to pardon three American soldiers accused or convicted of war crimes related to the shooting of non-combatants in Iraq. During his military service, Hegseth was a platoon leader at Guantanamo Bay, where he defended the treatment of detainees. Hegseth was considered a potential candidate to head the United States Department of Veterans Affairs in the first Trump administration, though the position was ultimately filled by David Shulkin in 2017. In November 2025, President-elect Trump announced plans to nominate Hegseth for Secretary of Defense.
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Pete Hegseth Biography Details
Born
Peter Brian Hegseth
Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
Political party
Republican
Spouses
Meredith Schwarz
(m. 2004; div. 2009)
Samantha Deering
(m. 2010; div. 2017)
Jennifer Rauchet
(m. 2019)
Children
7
Education
Princeton University (BA)
Harvard University (MPP)
Pete Hegseth Early Life
Hegseth was born in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and graduated from Forest Lake Area High School. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Princeton University in 2003. In 2013, he completed a Master of Public Policy at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. At Princeton, Hegseth was the publisher of The Princeton Tory, a conservative student-run publication, and also played on the university’s men’s basketball team.
Pete Hegseth Bio
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Birth
Born in Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
High School
Forest Lake Area High School
Undergraduate
Bachelor of Arts, Princeton University (2003)
Graduate
Master of Public Policy, Harvard University (2013)
College Activity
Publisher of The Princeton Tory, member of the Princeton Tigers men’s basketball team.
Military Career
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Details
Branch of Service
U.S. Army National Guard, Infantry Officer
Service Years
2003–present
Rank
Major
Deployments
Served in Iraq and Afghanistan
Awards
Bronze Star (x2), Army Commendation Medal (x2), Combat Infantryman Badge
Conservative Activism
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Facts
Initial Involvement
Executive Director, Vets for Freedom
PAC Involvement
Formed MN PAC in 2012, spent funds on personal and campaign activities
Veteran Advocacy
Concerned Veterans for America, a Koch-funded organization focused on privatizing VA services
Fox News Career
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Details
Joined Fox
2014
Programs
Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, frequent guest on Unfiltered with Dan Bongino
Controversies
Criticized liberal academia, climate change, and U.S. military interventions
Senate Campaign
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Year
Year
2012
Position Sought
Republican nomination for U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota
Outcome
Withdrew from race before primary
Controversies
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Details
War Crimes Pardon
Advocated for Trump’s pardons of military members convicted of war crimes
Climate Change Comments
Criticized young voters concerned about climate change in 2019
Drummer Incident
Accidentally struck a West Point drummer with an axe during a live TV segment in 2015
Books Authored
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Title
In the Arena (2016)
Publisher
Threshold Editions
Focus
Reflections on U.S. politics and leadership
Family and Personal Life
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Details
First Marriage
Meredith Schwarz (married 2004, divorced 2009)
Second Marriage
Samantha Deering (married 2010, divorced 2017)
Third Marriage
Jennifer Rauchet (married 2019)
Children
Seven children, including from his third marriage with Rauchet
Secretary of Defense Nomination
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Details
Date Announced
November 2025
Nominee
Pete Hegseth
President
Donald Trump
Military Achievements
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Points
Bronze Stars
Awarded two Bronze Stars for service in Iraq and Afghanistan
Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal
Conservative Media Influence
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Details
Media Outlets
Fox News, CNN, MSNBC, and more
Key Appearances
Regular guest on Unfiltered with Dan Bongino, host of All-American New Year
Political Influence
Vocal supporter of Donald Trump, frequent critic of liberal media and Democratic politicians
Fox News Commentary
Aspect
Facts
Key Topics
U.S. military policy, veterans’ issues, conservative values, and critiques of the left
Controversial Comments
Criticized Harvard University for “poisoning young minds” with left-wing ideology
Military Service at Guantanamo Bay
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Details
Deployment
Guantanamo Bay, 2004
Role
Infantry Platoon Leader
Awards
Army Commendation Medal for service
Publications and Writing
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Books
American Crusade (2020), Battle for the American Mind (2022)
Writing Style
Focus on conservatism, American culture, and national security
Pete Hegseth Net Worth
American television host Pete Hegseth has a net worth of $17 Million.
Pete Hegseth Summary
Pete Hegseth is a significant figure in American conservative circles, known for his military service, political activism, and media presence. His role as a commentator on Fox News has allowed him to build a platform advocating for military personnel and veterans, as well as supporting conservative political causes. Hegseth’s nomination to serve as the United States Secretary of Defense reflects his growing influence in shaping military and defense policy. However, his career has also been marked by controversies, particularly in his advocacy for the pardoning of military members accused of war crimes and his public criticisms of liberal institutions. Despite this, his influence within conservative politics remains strong, as demonstrated by his continuing support for President Donald Trump’s policies.
