Who is Pete Hegseth? The Fox News anchor turned nominee for Defense secretary
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Pete Hegseth has been selected as a candidate for Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump. But who exactly is this person who isn’t well-known in Washington, D.C.?
Hegseth's latest position was as a host on the morning show Fox and Friends, which is where many people across the country recognize him. In addition to that, he’s an author, a husband, and a father. He also gained significant viral attention, which has led to some legal troubles.
Hegseth is a former military serviceman who achieved the rank of major in the Army during his time with the Minnesota National Guard. He was deployed in both the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, receiving several awards for his service. After his military career, he took on leadership roles in political organizations like Vets for Freedom and Concerned Vets for America, all while also working as a political analyst on television.
He has now assumed a crucial role in the government, where he will be in charge of the US military. However, his appointment must still receive approval from the Senate, and there are those who are determined to oppose it.
Here’s all the information you require regarding Hegseth’s life and history:
He Joined The Military After College
In addition to earning his Bachelor's degree from Princeton University, Hegseth also obtained a Master's in public policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
After graduating from college, he found a position at the troubled investment bank Bear Stearns before deciding to join the military. Serving as an infantry platoon leader, he was deployed to Iraq with the Minnesota Army National Guard and later went to Afghanistan as a captain. Over the course of his ten-year military career, he was awarded two Bronze Stars, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge.
Hegseth has kept sharing his experiences from his time in the military. He even penned a letter to his sons, encouraging them to consider serving in the armed forces someday if they wish. This letter is included in his book, *The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.*
"Despite these doubts and the uncertainty surrounding them, I urge you to consider becoming one of the brave Americans who serve in our military. Think about this straightforward question: If not me, then who will step up? If not Gunner, Jackson, Boone, Luke, or Rex Hegseth, then who will defend our country?" the letter stated. "Are you willing to depend on others, men or women with different perspectives, to take on this responsibility? Our military may have its flaws, but can we really afford to let it weaken? I believe the answer is no."
Fox Host And Author: A Closer Look
Hegseth became part of Fox in 2014 when network chief Roger Ailes brought him on board as a contributor. In addition to co-hosting Fox & Friends, he also worked alongside political commentator Lisa Kennedy Montgomery for Fox's New Year's Eve special, All-American New Year. He has hosted several shows on FOX Nation, such as Battle in the Holy Land, which focuses on the conflict between Israel and Gaza.
Throughout his broadcasting career, Hegseth has expressed his frank views on American policies, arguing that the US is investing excessively in aiding Ukraine's battle against Russia. He has also been a strong supporter of Israel. In a 2016 interview with The Jewish Press, he stated that the establishment of Israel as a nation and the American revolution against Britain both symbolize "the narrative of God's chosen people."
He has authored multiple books for Fox's publishing division, such as *The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of Those Who Protect Our Freedom*, which reflects on his military experience. Additionally, he openly discusses his views on the education system in *Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation*, and includes a compilation of veterans' narratives in *Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes.*
"His Ax-Throwing Incident Went Viral"
In a 2015 episode of Fox and Friends, Hegseth took part in an axe-throwing activity that didn’t go as planned. Footage that circulated online showed him aiming an axe at a large red target. Unfortunately, he missed completely, and the axe soared past the target, striking Jeffrey Prosperie, a drummer in West Point's Hellcats field band, in the arm. This incident occurred while Prosperie was performing, as his band had been invited to the show to commemorate the anniversary of the U.S. Army's establishment.
Even though Prosperie took legal action against Hegseth following the event, the case was dropped in 2019. "The issue has been settled between the parties, and there will be no additional comments," stated Prosperie's lawyer, Brandon Cotter, to the Associated Press.
Should Women Be Allowed In Combat Roles?
The fellow veteran has been vocal about his views on the military and the role of women within it. In a recent appearance on the Shawn Ryan Show, he stated that he believes women should not hold "combat positions."
"It hasn't improved our effectiveness or increased our lethality; instead, it has added complexity to combat. In fact, it hasn't made us deadlier; it's only made fighting more intricate," he went on to say.
Nonetheless, Hegseth specified that his comments were directed at women who held "physically demanding" positions in the military, where "strength makes a significant difference."
He added, "Just to clarify for everyone, we’ve all worked alongside women, and they’re excellent at what they do. However, our organizations shouldn’t have to promote this in areas where, throughout history, men have generally been considered more competent in those roles."
Raising Seven Kids: His Life With Jennifer Rauchet
Hegseth has been wed to television producer Jennifer Rauchet since 2019. Their wedding took place at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The couple welcomed their daughter, Gwen, in 2017. Additionally, Rauchet has three children from her former marriage.
The Fox News personality had been married twice prior to his most recent relationship. He ended his first marriage to Meredith Schwarz in 2009 and divorced his second wife, Samantha Deering, in 2017. Together, Deering and Hegseth had three children before their separation.
Last year, he shared with the Nashville Christian Family that they are united as a family through God's grace. He emphasized that in the Hegseth family, there are no distinctions like 'steps' or 'halves.'
Nonetheless, reports indicate that Hegeth's involvement with Rauchet, a producer on Fox's morning show, began while he was still married. In a conversation for journalist Brian Stelter's 2020 book, "Hoax," an executive verified the affair and mentioned that Rauchet displayed bias in favor of Hegeth. "She continuously put Pete on television," the executive remarked.
According to reports, the couple shared details about their relationship with Fox, leading to Rauchet being reassigned to another program on the network.
In addition to the significant events in his professional life, Hegseth has revealed one of his hobbies during leisure time: enjoying football. In December 2023, he posted a picture on Facebook of himself at a bar, watching a Minnesota Vikings game with his thumbs up. He was dressed in a purple jersey and a coordinating cap.
Last month, he and his wife took their seven kids to watch the University of Tennessee’s football team, the Tennessee Volunteers, play at Neyland Stadium. He captured the experience on Instagram, posting a picture of his children on the field and another of himself and his partner in the stands.
"Last weekend was hard to beat with 'Rocky Top.' We scored a significant victory against Alabama, and the fans rushed the field afterward. Hiking in the Smokies was an amazing experience – it really is a beautiful place. I'm so grateful to new friends (Jani, Joy, Brad, David, and others) who helped make it all happen," he shared in the caption.
