American media personality Peter Hegseth was recently nominated by President-elect Donald Trump as the Secretary of Defense.
He is known for his conservative commentary on Fox News and advocacy for veterans having served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Hegseth has also led veteran advocacy organizations and supported Trump’s policies throughout his presidency, emphasizing a strong military and America First ideology.
Education
Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics.
While there, he was the publisher of The Princeton Tory and a member of the varsity basketball team.
Hegseth later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013.
Military career
Hegseth was commissioned after graduating from Princeton University in 2003, receiving his commission through the Army’s Officer Candidate School.
Initially, he served with the Minnesota Army National Guard, gaining valuable leadership experience in various capacities.
In 2004, he was deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, as part of the Joint Task Force and oversaw detainee operations and contributed to security protocols at the facility.
Hegseth’s deployment to Iraq from 2005 to 2006 was particularly significant as he served as a platoon leader with the 2nd Battalion, 136th Infantry Regiment.
His unit engaged in combat operations aimed at stabilizing the region during a critical phase of the Iraq War, and earned a Bronze Star Medal.
In 2012, Hegseth was deployed to Afghanistan, where he served as a team leader with the 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment.
He received a second Bronze Star Medal for his commendable performance during this deployment.
In addition to the Bronze Stars, Hegseth holds the Combat Infantryman Badge and other accolades that reflect his dedication and contributions during combat operations.
Media career
Hegseth began his media career shortly after his military service, initially appearing as a commentator on various news networks.
He joined Fox News in 2014 as a contributor but his role quickly expanded, and he became a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, a weekend edition of the popular morning show Fox & Friends.
In addition to his regular hosting duties, Hegseth has guest-hosted several other programs on Fox News, including The Five, which features a panel of commentators discussing various topics.
He has also appeared on Hannity and The Ingraham Angle, further establishing himself as a familiar face in conservative media.
Hegseth is also active on Fox Nation where he hosts several original series that cater to a wide audience interested in military history and American patriotism.
One of his notable series is Modern Warriors, which highlights the stories of veterans and active-duty service members, exploring their experiences and sacrifices.
Another series, Untold: Patriots Revealed, delves into lesser-known stories of American heroes throughout history.
Books
Hegseth’s books include American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020), which outlines his vision for America’s future based on conservative principles, and Battle for the American Mind: Uprooting a Century of Miseducation (2022), where he discusses the challenges facing American education and advocates for reform.
Both books have been well-received in conservative circles and contribute to his influence as a public intellectual.
