Who is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth is an American television presenter, author, and former Army National Guard officer who has served as the United States Secretary of Defense since January 25, 2025. Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth has been a prominent figure in media and politics, known for his conservative viewpoints and military service.
Early Life and Education
Raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Hegseth attended Forest Lake Area High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1999. He was active in sports, playing as a point guard for the school’s basketball team. He then pursued a Bachelor of Arts in Politics at Princeton University, graduating in 2003. During his time at Princeton, he was the publisher and later editor-in-chief of The Princeton Tory, a conservative student-run publication.
Family and Personal Life
Pete Hegseth has been married three times and is the father of seven children. His personal life has often attracted media attention due to his high-profile marriages and his strong public advocacy of traditional family values.
Marriages and Children
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First Marriage – Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009)
Pete Hegseth married Meredith Schwarz in 2004. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 2009. There were no children from this marriage. -
Second Marriage – Samantha Hegseth (2010–2017)
In 2010, Hegseth married Samantha Deering (now Samantha Hegseth), with whom he had three children. Their marriage ended in 2017, reportedly due to Pete’s extramarital affair with a Fox News producer, Jennifer Rauchet. -
Third Marriage – Jennifer Rauchet (2019–Present)
Pete Hegseth married Jennifer Rauchet in 2019. Jennifer is a Fox Nation executive producer, and the couple had been in a relationship prior to their marriage. Together, they have a daughter. Rauchet also has three children from a previous relationship, making them a blended family with seven children in total.
Life Outside Work
Hegseth is a devoted father and frequently shares moments from his family life on social media. He is known for his strong Christian faith and patriotic values, which he incorporates into his parenting and personal beliefs. He often speaks about the importance of raising children with traditional American values and has expressed concerns over progressive cultural shifts in the country.
The family resides in Tennessee, where they embrace an outdoor lifestyle, often engaging in activities like hunting, fishing, and shooting sports. Hegseth has also been outspoken about homeschooling and private Christian education, advocating for parental control over children’s education.
Despite past controversies in his personal life, Hegseth remains a strong advocate for family values and continues to be an influential figure in conservative circles.
Detailed Bio Table
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Brian Hegseth |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Parents | Brian Hegseth (father), Penelope “Penny” Hegseth (mother) |
| Education | B.A. in Politics from Princeton University; M.P.P. from Harvard University |
| Military Service | U.S. Army National Guard (2003–2006, 2010–2014, 2019–2021) |
| Rank | Major |
| Awards | Two Bronze Star Medals, Combat Infantryman Badge |
| Height | 6 feet (183 cm) |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $4 million as of 2025 |
Military Service
After graduating from Princeton, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard. He served tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His service earned him two Bronze Star Medals and a Combat Infantryman Badge. In Iraq, he served as a civil affairs officer, working closely with local councils to establish governance structures.
Media Career
Transitioning to media, Hegseth became a contributor for Fox News in 2014. He co-hosted “Fox & Friends Weekend” from 2017 to 2024, where he became known for his conservative commentary and support of former President Donald Trump. He has authored several books, including American Crusade (2020) and The War on Warriors (2024), both of which reached The New York Times Best Seller list.
Political Career
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth for the position of Secretary of Defense. Following a confirmation process that included scrutiny over past controversies, he was confirmed by the Senate with Vice President J.D. Vance casting the tie-breaking vote. He was sworn in as the 29th Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025.
Social Media Accounts Table
| Platform | Username | Official Link |
|---|---|---|
| @PeteHegseth | https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth | |
| @petehegseth | https://www.instagram.com/petehegseth/ | |
| Pete Hegseth | https://www.facebook.com/petehegseth |
Latest News
As of February 12, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a significant shift in U.S. policy regarding Ukraine. He stated that aiming to restore Ukraine’s pre-2014 borders is an “unrealistic objective” and emphasized the need for a negotiated settlement with Russia, supported by an international peacekeeping force that would exclude U.S. troops. This policy aligns with President Trump’s approach to encourage European nations to take greater responsibility for regional security.
Physical Appearance
Standing at 6 feet (183 cm) tall, Pete Hegseth has a commanding presence. He maintains a fit physique, a testament to his military background. Hegseth has several tattoos, including a Jerusalem cross on his chest and the phrase “Deus Vult” on his bicep, reflecting his personal beliefs and interests.
Net Worth as of 2025
As of 2025, Pete Hegseth’s net worth is estimated to be around $4 million. This wealth has been accumulated through his roles as a television host, author, and executive positions in advocacy organizations. His tenure at Fox News and the success of his published books have significantly contributed to his financial standing.
FAQs
1. What is Pete Hegseth known for?
Pete Hegseth is best known as a television host, author, and military veteran. He gained prominence as a Fox News contributor and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend. In 2025, he became the U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump.
2. What is Pete Hegseth’s military background?
Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, completing tours in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He received two Bronze Star Medals and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his service.
3. How many times has Pete Hegseth been married?
Pete Hegseth has been married three times. His first wife was Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009), his second wife was Samantha Hegseth (2010–2017), and he is currently married to Jennifer Rauchet (since 2019). He has seven children, including stepchildren from Rauchet’s previous marriage.
4. What books has Pete Hegseth written?
Hegseth has authored several books, including:
- In the Arena (2016)
- American Crusade (2020)
- Modern Warriors (2020)
- The War on Warriors (2024)
5. What is Pete Hegseth’s net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, Pete Hegseth’s estimated net worth is around $4 million, earned through his media career, book sales, and government salary as Secretary of Defense.
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