President-elect Donald Trump has stood firmly by his decision to nominate Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of Defense. However, before Hegseth’s becoming a full-time Fox News host in 2017, his record raised questions about his qualifications to lead the world’s largest and most powerful military force.
Now, in light of growing concerns from Republican senators over allegations surrounding Hegseth’s personal life, Trump is reportedly considering Florida Governor Ron DeSantis as a potential replacement for the top Pentagon role, according to insiders familiar with the discussions.
Curious to know more about Pete Hegseth’s life, career, and controversies? Stay tuned—we’ve got all the details right here!
Who is Pete Hegseth?
Let’s explore the life of Pete Hegseth, an American television host, author, and former Army National Guard officer. Pete, born June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has had a diverse and impactful career. Here’s a friendly look at his journey.
Pete Hegseth is known for his role on Fox News, where he co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend. He’s also a decorated Army National Guard officer and a passionate advocate for veterans. Pete has written books and been involved in politics, making him a well-known figure in conservative circles.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Brian Hegseth |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | – Bachelor of Arts, Princeton University – Master in Public Policy, Harvard University |
| Profession | Television Host, Author, Former Army National Guard Officer |
| Military Service | Served in the Army National Guard (2003–present) Deployments to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan |
| Awards | Two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman Badge |
| Media Career | – Fox News Contributor (since 2014) – Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend (2017–2024) |
| Books Authored | – In the Arena (2016) – American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020) |
| Political Involvement | – Executive Director, Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America – Brief Republican Senate candidacy in Minnesota (2012) |
| Recent Nomination | Nominated for Secretary of Defense by President-elect Donald Trump (2024) |
| Family | – Married three times: Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009), Samantha Hegseth (2010–2017), Jennifer Rauchet (2019–Present) – Seven children |
| Net Worth | Estimated $6 million (as of 2024) |
| Controversies | – Allegations of misconduct during leadership at veterans’ organizations – Media attention on personal life, including infidelities |
Family
Pete Hegseth has had a dynamic family life, with three marriages and seven children from these unions. His personal life has often been the subject of media attention, particularly his relationships with his second wife, Samantha Hegseth, and his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet.
Also Read
- Spouses
- Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009)
- Samantha Hegseth (2010–2017)
- Jennifer Rauchet (2019–Present)
- Children
- Seven children from his marriages
Pete Hegseth Second Wife: Samantha Hegseth (2010–2017)
Pete Hegseth married Samantha Hegseth in 2010, shortly after his first marriage to Meredith Schwarz ended. A conservative advocate, Samantha was reportedly introduced to Pete through mutual connections within political circles. They had three children together during their marriage, and Samantha frequently supported Pete’s career, particularly his work with veterans’ organizations and as a television commentator for Fox News.
However, their relationship faced significant challenges when reports surfaced of Pete’s alleged infidelity. In 2017, their marriage ended in divorce amid revelations of Pete’s extramarital affair with Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox News producer. The high-profile nature of their split attracted significant media coverage, as Pete was a public figure known for his outspoken conservative views.
Pete Hegseth Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet (2019–Present)
In 2019, Pete married Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox News executive producer, following a highly publicized relationship. The couple’s affair reportedly began while Pete was still married to Samantha, which brought considerable scrutiny. Despite the controversy surrounding their union, Pete and Jennifer have built a blended family and appear to share a strong bond.
Jennifer Rauchet is known for her role as an executive producer on several Fox News programs, including Fox & Friends, where Pete has been a co-host. The couple has one child, a daughter named Gwen, born in 2017 before their marriage. Jennifer also has children from a previous relationship, making their household a large, blended family of seven kids.
The couple frequently shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing traditional values and modern family dynamics. Jennifer often supports Pete’s endeavors, including his political commentary and potential future career moves.
Pete Hegseth Measurements
Pete maintains an athletic build, reflecting his military background and active lifestyle.
| Attribute | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Height | 6 feet 0 inches (183 cm) |
| Weight | Approximately 174 lbs (79 kg) |
| Shoe Size | 12 (U.S.) |
| Hair Color | Salt-and-Pepper |
| Eye Color | Blue |
Note: These measurements are approximate and may vary over time.
Military Service
Pete served in the Army National Guard starting in 2003. He was deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His bravery and dedication earned him two Bronze Stars and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Pete’s military experience has deeply influenced his commitment to supporting fellow veterans.
Media Career
In 2014, Pete joined Fox News as a contributor. He quickly became a favorite for his straightforward and passionate conservative views. From 2017 to 2024, he co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend. Pete used his platform to discuss important issues and support President Donald Trump.
Political Career
Pete has been active in politics beyond his media roles. He served as the executive director for Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, focusing on veterans’ rights and advocacy. In 2012, Pete briefly ran for the Republican nomination for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota but did not win.
In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense. However, his nomination faced scrutiny due to allegations of misconduct while leading veterans’ organizations.
Pete Hegseth Net Worth
As of 2024, Pete Hegseth’s net worth is around $6 million.
Income Sources:
- Television Career
- Co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend with an annual salary reportedly around $5 million.
- Authorship
- Wrote books like In the Arena and American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free, earning through sales and royalties.
- Military Service
- Served as an Army National Guard officer, earning a salary based on rank and experience.
- Divorce Settlement
- Paid a $2 million lump sum and $500,000 annual alimony during his divorce.
The Many Sides of Pete Hegseth: His Most Controversial Statements
Pete Hegseth has been involved in several controversies over the years. These controversies cover a range of topics, including LGBTQ+ rights, women in the military, higher education, foreign affairs, Islam, COVID-19, and allegations of sexual misconduct. Here’s a closer look at each issue.
Sexual Assault Allegation
In 2017, a woman accused Hegseth of sexual assault, alleging that he had drugged her drink and assaulted her in a hotel room. Hegseth denied the allegations, claiming the encounter was consensual. Although the district attorney declined to press charges due to insufficient evidence, Hegseth settled the case privately with a non-disclosure agreement.
The case resurfaced in 2024 during his nomination for Secretary of Defense, reigniting public debate about the allegations and his suitability for the role. Critics argue that the settlement raised questions about accountability and transparency.
Foreign Affairs: NATO, the United Nations, and Hegseth’s Call for Isolationism
Hegseth has been sharply critical of America’s NATO allies, calling the organization outdated and accusing member nations of failing to contribute adequately to their defence. He has suggested that NATO should be “scrapped and remade” and criticized Turkey’s membership, citing concerns over President Erdoğan’s Islamist agenda.
In his book American Crusade, he called the United Nations an “anti-American, anti-Israel organization” and advocated for cutting U.S. funding. His commentary on foreign policy, including criticism of U.S. aid to Ukraine, has fueled debates about his isolationist views.
LGBTQ+ Rights: Pete Hegseth’s Controversial Stance on Same-Sex Marriage and Transgender Troops
Hegseth’s views on LGBTQ+ rights have sparked significant backlash. While serving as an editor at The Princeton Tory, he and other editors published controversial editorials opposing same-sex marriage and equating it to practices such as polygamy and bestiality. The pieces described homosexuality as “abnormal and immoral,” framing it as a societal threat.
In his later career, Hegseth criticized efforts to diversify the U.S. military, arguing that featuring LGBTQ+ individuals in recruitment campaigns weakened the armed forces. He also opposed transgender troops, claiming their medical needs made them “non-deployable” and caused complications in military operations. These statements were widely criticized for being discriminatory and lacking inclusivity.
Women in Combat: Why Pete Hegseth Opposes Female Soldiers in Frontline Roles
Hegseth has also made controversial comments about women in combat roles. He argued that women serving alongside men in combat created complications and increased casualties. He stated that biological differences make men more suited for combat roles and that integrating women has not improved military effectiveness or lethality.
In podcasts and public appearances, he has openly opposed women in combat positions, labelling the policy as detrimental to military success. These views have drawn criticism for perpetuating outdated gender stereotypes and ignoring the contributions of women in the armed forces.
Hegseth’s Protest Against Liberal Universities and Critical Theory
Hegseth has been outspoken about his disdain for the current state of higher education. In a 2019 appearance, he criticized universities for focusing on “environmentalism and radical ideologies” instead of real-world threats like terrorism. He accused institutions of “poisoning young minds” with liberal ideologies.
As a symbolic protest, Hegseth crossed out “Harvard” on his diploma during a Fox News segment, writing “Critical Theory” instead, and declared his intention to return the diploma. This stunt drew mixed reactions, with some conservatives praising his stand and others dismissing it as performative.
Pete Hegseth’s Strong Criticism of Islam’s Role in Modern Society
Hegseth has described Islam as a threat, arguing that it is “not a religion of peace.” He claims Islamists are attempting to “conquer” the West culturally and demographically. In his book, he accused Islamic leaders of plotting to replace Western values with their own and criticized rising Muslim populations in Europe as a warning for the U.S.
These views have been widely criticized as Islamophobic and divisive, further polarizing public opinion about his stance on religious and cultural diversity.
COVID-19: Hegseth’s Controversial Remarks About the Pandemic and Political Agendas
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hegseth made controversial statements, accusing Democrats of rooting for the virus to spread and urging healthy individuals to contract the virus to build immunity. He defended using terms like “Wuhan virus” and “Kung Flu,” calling them humorous and justified.
He also claimed that the emergence of COVID-19 variants was a political strategy by Democrats to influence elections, statements that were widely criticized for spreading misinformation.
Interesting FAQs About Pete Hegseth
1. How old is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth is 44 years old. He was born on June 6, 1980.
2. Is Pete Hegseth still in the military?
Yes, he continues to serve in the Army National Guard since 2003.
3. How many times has Pete Hegseth been married?
He has been married to Meredith Schwarz, Samantha Hegseth, and Jennifer Rauchet three times.
4. How many children does Pete Hegseth have?
Pete Hegseth has seven children from his marriages.
5. What books has Pete Hegseth written?
Pete has authored In the Arena (2016) and American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020).
