Pete Hegseth is an American television presenter, author, and former Army National Guard officer.
He was nominated by Donald Trump to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in his second cabinet.
Hegseth recently faced a contentious Senate confirmation hearing, where he emphasized a “warrior ethos” and criticized diversity initiatives in the military.
Despite facing criticism from Democrats over his qualifications and past controversies, Hegseth received significant support from Republicans, including Senator Joni Ernst.
Parents
Pete’s parents are Brian Hegseth, a basketball coach, and Penelope Hegseth.
Brian is Pete’s father, and Penelope is his mother, who has been involved in public discussions about Pete’s personal life and controversies.
Penelope notably wrote an email in 2018 accusing Pete of mistreating women, but later apologized and defended him as a changed person.
Career
Hegseth’s career is multifaceted, involving military service, leadership roles in non-profit organizations, political involvement, and a prominent media presence.
His military service in the U.S. Army National Guard was significant, where he held the rank of Major.
Hegseth’s deployments included Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
During his service, he was awarded several honors, including two Bronze Stars.
His military background has been a significant part of his public persona and has influenced his advocacy for veterans’ issues.
Hegseth was the executive director of Vets for Freedom, a non-profit organization that aimed to support veterans and advocate for conservative foreign policy.
During his tenure, he worked to promote the interests of veterans and to influence public policy on military and veterans’ affairs.
Later, he became the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA), another prominent veterans’ advocacy group.
At CVA, he focused on issues like healthcare reform for veterans and reducing bureaucracy within the Department of Veterans Affairs.
His work at CVA further solidified his reputation as a strong advocate for veterans’ rights and conservative policies.
Hegseth has been a vocal supporter of Donald Trump and has been involved in Republican politics.
He was considered for several roles in the Trump administration, including leading the Department of Veterans Affairs.
In 2023, he was nominated by Trump to serve as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, a position that would mark a significant shift in his career from advocacy and media to a high-ranking government role.
Hegseth joined Fox News in 2014 and became a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend in 2017.
During his time at Fox News, he has been known for his conservative viewpoints and has covered a wide range of topics, from politics to social issues.
His media presence has helped him maintain a high profile and influence public discourse on various matters.
