Who is Pete Hegseth, Trump's defence secretary pick

Pete Hegseth, a ex Fox News host, author and military veteran, is US President Donald Trump's pick for defence secretary. Hegseth, 44, who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, will be responsible for the world's most powerful military in his first political role.

Trump has described Pete Hegseth as "tough, smart and a true believer in America First". Hegseth's background in military service and conservative media advocacy make him a key figure in Trump's ongoing efforts to reshape the defence establishment.

Early life and career

Pete Hegseth, 44, is a television host, media panelist, and military veteran, widely recognized for his eight-year career at Fox News. Born on June 6, 1980, in Minnesota, he was raised in a conservative household, which influenced his political and national perspectives.

Hegseth earned a bachelor's degree in politics from Princeton University and a master's degree in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government—though he later returned the degree in protest against the university's perceived left-wing bias. He currently resides in Middle Tennessee with his wife, Jenny, and their seven children.

Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after graduation, according to Department of Defence He participated in a number of active-duty deployments during his time in service, including operations in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan. Hegseth also served in multiple staff positions in the National Guard.

Hegseth's military awards include two Bronze Star Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB) and the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB). He has authored five books, including the New York Times best-seller The War on Warriors (2024).

Controversies

Pete Hegseth said women should not serve in combat roles, recommended the military purge generals and faced allegations of sexual assault and alcoholism. In 2017, he was investigated over a sexual assault allegation in 2017. However, he was never arrested or charged and denies wrongdoing.

A surprising pick by Trump owing to his lack of management experience, Hegseth appeared to endorse the theocratic and authoritarian doctrine of “sphere sovereignty” in a series of podcast. He has been accused of aggressive behaviour towards his wife. Hegseth and his ex-wife, who divorced in 2018, have denied the allegations.

He has also faced allegations of excessive drinking at the workplace. Hegseth was reportedly seen drunk at multiple events hosted by the nonprofit he led between 2013 and 2015. Although he walked back the comments since being tapped by Trump, Hegseth has said in recent interviews that he doesn’t believe women should serve in combat roles.

Hegseth was forced to step down by both of the two nonprofit groups that he ran, Veterans for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, due to allegations of financial mismanagement in addition to claims of sexual misconduct and drinking.

Trump and Hegseth's long-standing relationship

Pete Hegseth's expertise in military affairs and public policy, combined with his firsthand experience as a soldier, established him as a reliable voice on Fox News, particularly as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. His commentary on military and political issues made him a well-known figure in conservative circles.

Hegseth's relationship with Donald Trump began during the former president's frequent appearances on Fox News, especially on Fox & Friends. Their interactions evolved into a friendship, with Trump valuing Hegseth's strong conservative views and military credentials. This bond played a key role in Hegseth's appointment as Secretary of Defense.

Almost the entire Republican conference supported Hegseth’s nomination while every Senate Democrat voted against his confirmation, resulting in a 50-50 vote.