From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pete Hegseth made an impact.
Peter Brian Hegseth is an American television presenter, author, and Army National Guard officer. He has served as the United States secretary of defense since January 2025.
June 2003: Commissioned as Second Lieutenant
In June 2003, after graduating from Princeton, Hegseth was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army through the university's Reserve Officers' Training Corps program.
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2003: Commissioned as Infantry Officer
In 2003, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard and served at Guantanamo Bay Naval Base before deploying to Iraq and Afghanistan.
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2004: Basic Training at Fort Benning
In 2004, Hegseth completed his basic training at Fort Benning (later renamed Fort Moore) in Columbus, Georgia.
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August 2006: Started at Manhattan Institute
In August 2006, Hegseth began working at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.
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November 2009: Supported Additional Forces in Afghanistan
In November 2009, Pete Hegseth supported sending additional forces into Afghanistan during the War in Afghanistan.
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2011: Removed from Leadership
By 2011, Hegseth was removed from leadership after the group merged with Military Families United.
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2011: Enlisted in Minnesota Army National Guard as Captain
In 2011, Hegseth enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a captain.
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February 2012: Entered Republican Primary
In February 2012, Hegseth decided to enter the Republican primary for the United States Senate election in Minnesota.
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June 2014: Became Fox News Contributor
By June 2014, Hegseth had become a regular contributor to Fox News.
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2014: Promoted to Major
After completing his tour in 2014, Hegseth was promoted to major and enlisted in the Individual Ready Reserve.
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2014: Fox News Contributor
In 2014, Hegseth became a contributor for Fox News, marking a significant step in his media career.
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January 2016: Left Concerned Veterans for America
In January 2016, Hegseth left Concerned Veterans for America following issues related to mismanagement and alcoholism.
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2016: Supported Trump's Campaign
In 2016, Hegseth initially supported Donald Trump's campaign and later served as an advisor to the President.
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2016: Brief Host on TheBlaze
In 2016, Hegseth was briefly a host on TheBlaze before regularly hosting Fox & Friends Weekend.
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January 2017: Official Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend
In January 2017, Hegseth became an official co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.
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2017: Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend
From 2017 to 2024, Hegseth co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend, establishing himself as a prominent television personality.
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2017: Cabinet Nominee Confirmation Decided by VP
In 2017, Hegseth's Senate Committee on Armed Services committee confirmation was decided by Vice President JD Vance.
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March 2018: Sought Veterans Affairs Position
In March 2018, after Shulkin fell out of favor, Hegseth positioned himself as a potential candidate for secretary of veterans affairs.
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June 2019: Joined D.C. Army National Guard
In June 2019, Hegseth joined the District of Columbia Army National Guard as a traditional drilling service member.
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2019: Hosted Battle in the Holy Land
In 2019, Hegseth hosted the series "Battle in the Holy Land" and the special "Battle in Bethlehem" on Fox Nation.
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May 2020: Comments on Chinese Government
In May 2020, Pete Hegseth stated the "communist Chinese" want to "end our civilization".
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2020: Authored American Crusade
In 2020, Hegseth authored the book "American Crusade", adding to his credentials as an author.
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2020: Favored with Airtime
In 2020, a Fox News executive said that Jennifer Rauchet was favoring Pete with airtime.
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2022: Hosted The Miseducation of America
In 2022, Hegseth hosted "The Miseducation of America" on Fox Nation, criticizing "the Left's educational agenda".
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2023: Hosted The Miseducation of America
In 2023, Hegseth hosted "The Miseducation of America" on Fox Nation, criticizing "the Left's educational agenda".
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January 2024: Resigned from Individual Ready Reserve
In January 2024, Hegseth resigned from the Individual Ready Reserve.
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November 12, 2024: Nominated for Secretary of Defense
On November 12, 2024, Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense after Tom Cotton declined. Hegseth ended his contract with Fox News. The selection was seen as Trump appointing a loyalist and his lack of experience surprised the Department of Defense.
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November 2024: Comments on Women in Combat Roles
In November 2024, Pete Hegseth stated that women should not serve in combat roles during a podcast interview with Shawn Ryan.
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November 2024: Nominee for Secretary of Defense
In November 2024, president-elect Trump nominated Hegseth as his choice for secretary of defense.
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January 2025: Appointed Secretary of Defense
In January 2025, Peter Hegseth started serving as the United States Secretary of Defense.
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