Pete Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is an American political commentator, author, and former Army National Guard officer. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University. Hegseth served in the Army National Guard from 2003 to 2014 and again from 2019 to 2021, participating in deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His military honors include the Bronze Star Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, and a Combat Infantryman Badge.

Following his military service, Hegseth became a prominent figure in conservative circles. He held executive director roles at Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, organizations advocating for veterans’ issues. In 2014, he joined Fox News as a contributor and later co-hosted the weekend edition of “Fox & Friends” from 2017 to 2024. He has authored books including “American Crusade” (2020) and “The War on Warriors” (2024).

In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth to serve as the United States Secretary of Defense in his second cabinet. During his Senate confirmation hearing on January 14, 2025, Hegseth faced rigorous questioning regarding his qualifications and past behavior. Democratic senators raised concerns about allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, and controversial views on women in combat and minorities. Hegseth denied these allegations, describing them as a “smear campaign,” and emphasized his commitment to restoring a “warrior culture” within the military.

Despite the controversies, Hegseth received support from Republican senators and veterans’ organizations. The Senate Armed Services Committee’s evaluation of his nomination continues, with key votes pending that will determine his confirmation as Secretary of Defense.