Who is Pete Hegseth? Military rank explored as Trump's appointment of Fox News host as Defense Secretary raises eyebrows
President-elect Donald Trump has chosen Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth as his secretary of defense. This comes after Trump chose four-star general James Mattis to take over the position in his last term.
Sources told CNN that Pete Hegseth’s selection comes as a surprise as Trump’s team did not initially consider him. The source added that Trump always thought Hegseth was “smart” and was impressed by his career trajectory. The news outlet also reported that the reporter was not considered a top selection for the role until Monday, November 11.
Speaking about offering the position to Pete Hegseth, Donald Trump said in a statement:
“Pete has spent his entire life as a Warrior for the Troops, and for the Country. Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First. With Pete at the helm, America’s enemies are on notice- Our Military will be Great Again, and America will Never Back Down.”
Pete Hegseth is the co-host of Fox News Channel’s Fox & Friends Weekend, with Donald Trump appearing several times on his show. The Princeton University graduate was commissioned as an infantry captain in the Army National Guard and served overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay.
Many were not pleased with Pete Hegseth stepping into the role. Some comments online read:
“We really in hell bruh,” an X user said.
“Oh we’re cooked wtf is wrong w him,” a platform user said.
“The bar is low,” an internet user said.
“This is looking more and more lile a tv show,” a platform user commented.
Pete Geseth raised controversy after questioning women serving in combat. A few days ago, on the Shawn Ryan Show, he said that women serving in military roles were not making defense “effective” and “lethal.”
Pete Hegseth was awarded two Bronze Stars for his service overseas
Pete Hegseth served as an infantry platoon leader aside from serving overseas. He was also the senior counterinsurgency instructor at Kabul’s Counterinsurgency Training Center. Later, he served as a major in the Individual Ready Reserve.
Aside from being rewarded with two Bronze Stars, he was also given the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He is not only a military veteran but also the author of The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free.
Hegseth served as the executive director for Vets for Freedom between 2007 and 2010. In 2012, he became the CEO of Concerned Veterans for America.
The 44-year-old has a master’s degree in public policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. He ran to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate in 2012; however, his campaign ended before the year’s primary election.
Fox News released a statement following Pete Hegseth's selection as secretary of defense.
“His insights and analysis especially about the military resonated deeply with our views and made the program the major success that it is today. We are extremely proud of his work at Fox News Media and wish him the best of luck in Washington," the channel said.
Hegseth started at Fox News as a contributor in 2014 and took on co-hosting his show in 2017.