Pete Hegseth, born Peter Brian Hegseth on June 6, 1980, is an American government official currently serving as the Secretary of War. He assumed office on January 25, 2025, and was appointed by President Donald Trump. Previously, the position was known as Secretary of Defense, but the Department's name was changed on September 5, 2025. Before entering government service, Hegseth was a television personality, most notably co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024, where he became known for his conservative viewpoints.
Hegseth is a former officer in the U.S. Army National Guard. After graduating from Princeton University in 2003, he was commissioned as an infantry officer and participated in deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. His military awards include two Bronze Star Medals. Hegseth has also authored five books, including the New York Times bestseller, The War on Warriors (2024). In February 2026, Hegseth visited Bath Iron Works in Maine, praising the workers' contributions to national security. Also in February, he hosted a reenlistment ceremony for National Guard members in Washington D.C..