Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Pete Hegseth

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Pete Hegseth made an impact.

Peter Brian Hegseth is an American former Army National Guard officer, television presenter, and author. He is described as having served as the 29th United States secretary of defense since 2025.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

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.

2003: Commissioned as Infantry Officer

In 2003, Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard.

2004: Basic Training at Fort Benning

In 2004, Hegseth completed his basic training at Fort Benning, which was later renamed to Fort Moore, in Columbus, Georgia.

July 2005: Returned to Bear Stearns

In July 2005, Hegseth had returned to Bear Stearns; shortly thereafter, he volunteered in the Iraq War.

August 2006: Moved to Manhattan

In August 2006, Hegseth moved to Manhattan and began working at the Manhattan Institute for Policy Research.

May 2007: Appearance at McCain Fundraiser

In May 2007, Hegseth appeared at a presidential campaign fundraiser for Arizona senator John McCain.

2008: Supported John McCain

In the months leading up to the 2008 United States presidential election, Vets for Freedom, led by Hegseth, began supporting John McCain.

2011: Removed from Leadership

By 2011, after Vets for Freedom merged with Military Families United, Hegseth was removed from leadership.

2011: Enlisted in Minnesota Army National Guard

In 2011, Hegseth enlisted in the Minnesota Army National Guard as a captain.

February 2012: Planned Senate Run

In February 2012, Hegseth decided to enter the Republican primary for the United States Senate election in Minnesota.

June 2014: Became a 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.

2014: Criticized Obama for Veterans Health Administration Controversy

In 2014, Concerned Veterans of America, where Hegseth worked, criticized Obama for the 2014 Veterans Health Administration controversy.

2014: Becomes Fox News Contributor

In 2014, Hegseth started working as a contributor for Fox News.

January 2016: Leaves Concerned Veterans for America

In January 2016, Hegseth left Concerned Veterans for America due to issues regarding mismanagement and alcoholism.

2016: Advisor to Donald Trump

In 2016, Hegseth served as an advisor to President Donald Trump after supporting his campaign.

2016: Host on TheBlaze

In 2016, Hegseth was briefly a host on TheBlaze before regularly hosting Fox & Friends Weekend.

2016: Publication of 'In In the Arena'

In 2016, Pete Hegseth described his Christian faith as initially "more out of diligent habit than deep conviction" in his book 'In In the Arena'. Following the September 11 attacks, he developed a hatred for Islamic terrorism and criticized the Princeton University Chapel.

In the Arena: Good Citizens, a Great Republic, and How One Speech Can Reinvigorate America

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January 2017: Official Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend

In January 2017, after being a regular host since 2016, 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.

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March 2018: Positions himself for VA Secretary Role

After Shulkin fell out of favor with the Trump administration in March 2018, Hegseth positioned himself as a potential candidate for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

2018: Hosted All-American New Year

In 2018, Hegseth hosted All-American New Year with commentator Lisa Kennedy.

June 2019: Joins D.C. Army National Guard

In June 2019, Hegseth joined the District of Columbia Army National Guard as a traditional drilling service member.

2019: Host of Battle in the Holy Land

From 2019 to 2023, Hegseth hosted the series Battle in the Holy Land on Fox Nation.

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2020: Publication of "American Crusade"

In 2020, Hegseth authored the book "American Crusade".

American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free

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March 2021: Ends Duty with D.C. Army National Guard

In March 2021, Hegseth ended his duty with the District of Columbia Army National Guard.

2022: Host of The Miseducation of America

From 2022 to 2023, Hegseth hosted The Miseducation of America on Fox Nation, criticizing the "Left's educational agenda".

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2023: End of The Miseducation of America and Battle in the Holy Land series

In 2023, the television program The Miseducation of America and Battle in the Holy Land series that Hegseth hosted ended.

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January 2024: Resignation from Individual Ready Reserve

In January 2024, Hegseth resigned from the Individual Ready Reserve, citing the "insider threat" incident in his book "The War on Warriors (2024)".

The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free

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June 2024: Publication of 'The War on Warriors'

In June 2024, Pete Hegseth published his book, "The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free".

The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free

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November 12, 2024: Nomination for Secretary of Defense

On November 12, 2024, Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense after Tom Cotton declined. This decision, seen as prioritizing loyalty over experience, followed Hegseth ending his Fox News contract. Allegations of sexual assault surfaced, but Trump defended him.