File photo: Pete Hegseth (Picture credit: AP)
The President-elect of the United States Donald Trump on Tuesday announced that he has chosen Pete Hegseth, a commentator from Fox News and a veteran, to serve as his secretary of defence.
The name of Hegseth in Trump’s cabinet came after the President-elect chose many hardliners in his team like Marco Rubio, Tom Homan, Kristi Noem and many more.
Who is Pete Hegseth?
- Pete Hegseth is a prominent American television personality, author, and
conservative political commentator , best known for his role as a host on Fox News.
- Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth grew up in a conservative household that shaped his views on politics and national values.
- As per the news agency Reuters, Trump had praised Hegseth as “tough, smart, and a true believer in America First,” emphasising his potential to make the US military “Great Again.”
- Hegseth attended Princeton University, where he studied political science and further solidified his ideological leanings.
- After completing his education, Hegseth joined the US Army National Guard, serving as a military officer. He was deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during the early 2000s, where he gained firsthand experience in military operations and leadership. His time in the military shaped his views on national security and veterans’ issues, which he later incorporated into his media career.
- Following his military service, Hegseth transitioned into a career in media and political commentary. He became a regular contributor to Fox News, where his conservative viewpoints resonated with a large audience.
- He joined Fox & Friends Weekend as a co-host, a position that helped cement his status as one of the leading conservative voices on television. His commentary often focuses on topics such as patriotism, military service, and national security, drawing from his own experiences in the Army.
- In addition to his role at Fox News, Hegseth authored a book titled ‘In the Arena: Good Citizens, a Great Republic’, and ‘How One Speech Can Change the World’, published in 2016. The book reflects his belief in the importance of public service and civic responsibility, aligning with his broader political ideology.
- He has also gained attention as a public speaker, often addressing topics such as American exceptionalism and the importance of supporting military personnel.
- Hegseth has built a reputation as an outspoken and sometimes controversial figure in conservative circles. He has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump and has often criticized liberal policies and media outlets.
- His opinions, especially on subjects like political correctness, gun rights, and American values, have sparked debate, with both strong support and significant backlash from critics.
- Throughout his personal life, Hegseth has been married twice. He is currently married to Jennifer Rauchet, a producer at Fox News, and the couple has children together. Hegseth’s personal life, including his family and his views, frequently makes its way into his public persona, with glimpses shared on social media.
- Hegseth has been sharply critical of Nato, calling European allies “outdated, outgunned, invaded, and impotent,” and has expressed frustration over the US carrying the burden of Nato defence.
- Hegseth has described Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine as “Putin’s give-me-my-s**t-back war” and expressed doubts about deep US involvement in the conflict.
- He has echoed Trump’s criticism of President Biden’s assistance to Ukraine, suggesting that if Ukraine can defend itself, the US should not intervene deeply in Europe.