Peter Brian Hegseth is a US military veteran, author, and political commentator, now serving as the 29th US Secretary of Defence. [Photo: Reuters]
Peter Brian Hegseth, widely known as Pete Hegseth, is a US military veteran, television commentator, author, and political figure who rose to national prominence through his outspoken conservative views and decorated service in the Army National Guard.
Over the years, he has worn many hats — from soldier and media host to policy advocate and, now, government leader — making him one of the more polarising yet influential voices in American public life.
Peter Brian Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is an American author, political commentator, former television personality, veteran, and, as of 2025, the 29th US Secretary of Defence.
He grew up in Minnesota (Minneapolis/Forest Lake area) and went on to study at Princeton University (B.A. in Politics, 2003), later earning a Master’s in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School (2013).
Before he was appointed Secretary of Defence, Pete Hegseth worked in media — most notably as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend — and was active in veterans’ advocacy.
The US Secretary of Defence is a Level I Executive Schedule position, earning an annual salary of approximately $246,400, approximately ₹2,18,71,437.
Pete Hegseth has several visible tattoos that have attracted public attention and controversy.
These symbols have historical and religious connotations, and their modern use has occasionally sparked debate — particularly during his National Guard service.
Hegseth stands approximately 6 feet to 6 feet 1 inch tall (around 183–185 cm).
Over the years, Pete Hegseth has been married three times:
Pete Hegseth has a blended family of seven children:
Hegseth attained the rank of Major in the US Army National Guard.
Service records vary slightly:
Deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Survived an incident in Iraq when his vehicle was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade that failed to explode.
In January 2021, he was removed from a D.C. National Guard mission for President Biden’s inauguration due to security concerns linked to his tattoos being flagged as a potential “insider threat.”
Hegseth remained with the National Guard until around 2021. Reports suggest that after the inauguration incident and as his media career expanded, he transitioned fully into civilian and government roles.
His works primarily focus on patriotism, education, cultural politics, and military issues.
From his years on the battlefield to his presence on national television and now his leadership role in government, Pete Hegseth embodies a blend of service, media influence, and political ambition.
His career continues to generate both admiration and controversy — marking him as one of the most recognizable conservative figures in modern American politics.
