Pete Hegseth Biography
Pete Hegseth is an American military veteran, author, former television host and government official who became the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 2025. In September 2025, the department’s name was changed to the Department of War, making Hegseth the Secretary of War under the terminology used by the department in 2026.
Before joining the Trump administration, Hegseth served in the U.S. Army National Guard and worked in veterans’ advocacy and television.
Who Is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth is a former U.S. Army National Guard officer who became a senior national-security official in the Trump administration.
He was sworn in on January 25, 2025, as the 29th Secretary of Defense. Following the department’s official name change in September 2025, he became Secretary of War.
His professional background combines military service, veterans’ organizations, political commentary and government leadership.
Pete Hegseth Age and Date of Birth
Pete Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, United States.
He is 46 years old as of 2026.
Pete Hegseth Education
Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003.
He later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. His education in public policy complemented his military and national-security interests.
Pete Hegseth Military Career
After graduating from Princeton, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard.
His military service included deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, Iraq and Afghanistan. According to his official biography and Senate confirmation materials, he served in leadership and staff positions during his military career.
His military record includes awards such as two Bronze Star Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal and Army Commendation Medals.
Pete Hegseth Veterans’ Advocacy
After his military deployments, Hegseth became involved in veterans’ advocacy.
He led organizations including Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America. His work in those organizations focused on issues affecting veterans, military policy and national security.
These activities helped establish his public profile before he moved into television.
Pete Hegseth Fox News Career
Hegseth became a familiar television personality through his work with Fox News.
He served as a contributor and host, frequently discussing military affairs, veterans’ issues, national security and American politics.
His television career increased his public visibility and helped establish him as a prominent conservative media figure before his appointment to the Trump administration.
Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense
President Donald Trump nominated Hegseth to serve as Secretary of Defense in November 2024.
After a Senate confirmation process, Hegseth was sworn into office on January 25, 2025.
His appointment attracted significant political debate because his professional background was different from that of many previous defense secretaries. During his confirmation process, he emphasized his military experience, veterans’ advocacy and policy background.
Pete Hegseth Current Role in 2026
As of October 2026, Hegseth serves as Secretary of War, heading the U.S. Department of War under the department’s current official terminology.
In September and October 2026, he announced a number of military initiatives. The U.S. Army reported that his October 2 State of the Force address included initiatives involving autonomous warfare, military technology, officer development and religious affairs within the armed forces.
His approach and policy proposals have generated both support and criticism, depending on the political perspective of the commentators involved. Such assessments are political interpretations rather than neutral biographical facts.
Pete Hegseth Books
Hegseth is also an author.
One of his best-known books is The War on Warriors, published in 2024. During his Senate confirmation process, he described the book as a New York Times bestseller.
He has also written other books concerning military service, veterans and American political culture.
Pete Hegseth Wife and Family
Pete Hegseth is married to Jennifer Rauchet, a former television producer.
The couple married in 2019. Public reporting has stated that they are raising a large blended family.
Hegseth has seven children in his blended family.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pete Hegseth
Who is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth is an American military veteran, author, former Fox News personality and senior U.S. government official. He became Secretary of Defense in January 2025 and Secretary of War following the department’s 2025 name change.
How old is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, making him 46 years old in 2026.
What did Pete Hegseth study?
He graduated from Princeton University in 2003 and later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Did Pete Hegseth serve in the military?
Yes. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and had deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq and Afghanistan.
When did Pete Hegseth become Secretary of Defense?
He was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025.
What is Pete Hegseth’s current position?
As of October 2026, he is the U.S. Secretary of War, following the department’s official name change in September 2025.
Who is Pete Hegseth’s wife?
His wife is Jennifer Rauchet, a former television producer. They married in 2019.