Peter Brian Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense, assuming office on January 25, 2025. He was raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, and graduated as valedictorian from Forest Lake Area High School in 1999. Hegseth earned a Bachelor of Arts in Politics from Princeton University in 2003 and later obtained a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
Commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after his undergraduate studies, Hegseth's military career includes deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. He has been awarded two Bronze Star Medals, the Joint Commendation Medal, and two Army Commendation Medals, among other honors.
Before his appointment as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth was a co-host of "Fox & Friends Weekend" from 2017 to 2024, where he gained attention for his conservative viewpoints and support for President Donald Trump. In 2012, he briefly pursued a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota but withdrew before the Republican primary.
President Trump nominated Hegseth for Secretary of Defense in November 2024. His confirmation process was contentious, with the Senate deadlocking at 50-50. Vice President JD Vance cast the tie-breaking vote, leading to Hegseth's confirmation on January 24, 2025.
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth has emphasized restoring a "warrior ethos," rebuilding the military, and reestablishing deterrence. He has advocated for investments in artificial intelligence, unmanned systems, and counter-drone technologies to modernize the armed forces.
Hegseth's tenure has not been without controversy. He has faced allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive alcohol use, all of which he has denied. Additionally, his views on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs within the military have sparked debate.
In his personal life, Hegseth has been married three times and has four biological children, along with three stepchildren from his current marriage to Jennifer Rauchet.
Hegseth's leadership marks a significant shift in the Department of Defense, reflecting his commitment to a robust and modernized military aligned with his conservative principles.