Pete Hegseth

Peter Brian Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has led a multifaceted life as a military officer, television presenter, author, and political figure. His journey from a Midwestern upbringing to becoming the United States Secretary of Defense is marked by notable achievements and personal challenges.

Early Life and Education

Hegseth was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, where he attended Forest Lake Area High School. Demonstrating early leadership and academic promise, he pursued higher education at Princeton University, graduating in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. During his time at Princeton, he was actively involved in campus life, serving as the publisher of The Princeton Tory, a conservative student-run publication, and participating as a member of the varsity basketball team. His commitment to service was evident through his involvement with the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC), which set the foundation for his future military career.

Furthering his education, Hegseth earned a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013. This advanced degree complemented his practical military experience, providing him with a broader perspective on public affairs and policy-making.

Personal Life and Family

Hegseth’s personal life has been marked by multiple marriages and a growing family. In 2004, he married Meredith Schwarz, his high school girlfriend; the couple divorced in 2009. He then married Samantha Deering in 2010, with whom he has three sons: Gunner, Boone, and Rex. This marriage ended in divorce in 2017.

In 2019, Hegseth married Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox News executive producer. Together, they have a daughter named Gwen. The blended family resides in Tennessee, where they are active members of the Pilgrim Hill Reformed Fellowship, a church within the Communion of Reformed Evangelical Churches. Hegseth has spoken about a religious transformation he experienced in 2018, deepening his Christian faith and influencing his personal and professional outlook.

Detailed Bio Table

Military Career

Upon graduating from Princeton, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard in 2003. His early assignments included a deployment to Guantanamo Bay, where he served as an infantry platoon leader, overseeing detainee operations. Demonstrating leadership and valor, he later led a platoon during a deployment to Baghdad, Iraq, in 2005, as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His service continued with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2011, where he worked as a counterinsurgency instructor with the Minnesota National Guard.

Throughout his military tenure, Hegseth received several commendations, including two Bronze Star Medals and a Combat Infantryman Badge, recognizing his bravery and leadership in combat situations.

Advocacy and Media Career

After his deployments, Hegseth transitioned into advocacy, becoming the executive director of Vets For Freedom, an organization dedicated to promoting the perspectives of veterans on national security issues. He also served as the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, focusing on reforming the Department of Veterans Affairs and advocating for policies benefiting veterans.

In 2014, Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor, leveraging his military experience to provide analysis on national security and veterans’ affairs. His articulate commentary and charismatic presence led to a co-hosting role on “Fox & Friends Weekend” from 2017 to 2024, where he became a prominent conservative voice on various political and social issues.

Authorship

Hegseth has authored several books reflecting his perspectives on patriotism, education, and military affairs. His publications include:

• In the Arena (2016): A memoir discussing the importance of active citizenship and engagement in public life.

• American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020): An exploration of challenges facing American freedoms and a call to action for preserving liberty.

• Modern Warriors: Real Stories from Real Heroes (2020): A compilation of interviews with veterans sharing their combat experiences and insights.

• Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation (2022): Co-authored with David Goodwin, this book critiques the American education system and advocates for classical Christian education.

• The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free (2024): An examination of societal attitudes toward military service members and a defense of their contributions.

Several of these works have appeared on The New York Times Best Seller list, underscoring their impact and resonance with readers.

Latest News

As of February 12, 2025, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth addressed NATO allies regarding President Trump’s plan for Russia, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to strengthening alliances and addressing ongoing security challenges.

Physical Appearance

Specific details about Pete Hegseth’s height and other physical attributes are not publicly available.

Social Media Accounts

Net Worth as of 2025

As of 2025, Pete Hegseth’s net worth is estimated at $6 million, accumulated through his military service, media career, and authorship.