President Donald Trump announced Pete Hegseth as his choice for Secretary of Defense on November 12, 2024,
Pete Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a veteran of the U.S. Army National Guard and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan, gaining valuable military experience
Before his appointment, Pete Hegseth was a prominent Fox News host, co-hosting "Fox & Friends Weekend
Pete Hegseth graduated from Princeton University with a degree in political science and later obtained a master's degree in public policy from Harvard University
Pete Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer after college and served multiple deployments, including time at Guantanamo Bay and combat roles in Iraq and Afghanistan
Pete Hegseth has been active in conservative politics, previously serving as the executive director of Concerned Veterans for America and advocating for veterans' issues
Pete Hegseth has authored several books, including "In the Arena" and "The War on Warriors,s
Trump praised Hegseth as "tough" and "smart," indicating a strong personal rapport developed through regular appearances on Fox News during Trump's presidency
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth will face significant challenges including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, alongside managing relations with military leaders amid a tumultuous political landscape