Who Is Donald Trump’s New Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth?

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As a fervent admirer of the political landscape, I find myself intrigued by the selection of Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense under President-elect Donald Trump in 2025. Having followed his journey for quite some time, I must say that Hegseth’s life experience has been nothing short of extraordinary.

Donald Trump, the newly elected U.S. President, has picked Pete Hegseth to serve as his Secretary of Defense. This choice has left many people curious about who Hegseth is and what led Trump to select him. Trump made this decision following his victory in the 2024 U.S. elections, where he secured more electoral college votes than his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris who was running for re-election.

Here is everything to know about Pete Hegseth.

Who is Pete Hegseth?

Originating from Minnesota, specifically on June 6, 1980, Hegseth was raised in proximity to the town of Forest Lake. His educational background includes a graduation from Princeton University and a Master’s degree in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

Previously, Pete Hegseth was a major in the Minnesota Army National Guard, with deployments to countries such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and Cuba’s Guantánamo Bay. Beyond his military service, he has been an active conservative for many years, even running for the Republican nomination for Minnesota’s U.S. Senate seat in 2012. Unfortunately, his bid was unsuccessful. Since 2014, Hegseth has worked as a contributor for Fox News and currently co-hosts Fox & Friends Weekend and various shows on Fox Nation.

Pete Hegseth has been through three marriages. His initial spouse was Meredith Schwarz. After divorcing in 2009, he wed Samantha Deering the following year. Together, they have three children. However, their marriage ended in 2017. In 2019, Hegseth tied the knot with Jennifer Rauchet, who is a producer at Fox.

For quite some time, Hegseth had been on Donald Trump’s list of potential choices, even being considered to head the Department of Veterans Affairs during Trump’s previous term in office. He is well-known for his published works, combat volunteering, and veteran advocacy. Nevertheless, his nomination as Defense Secretary under Trump took many by surprise.

In reference to him, Trump stated, “Pete is strong-willed, intelligent, and unwaveringly dedicated to ‘America First.’ With Pete in command, America’s adversaries should take notice — our military strength will be restored, and America will remain firm.” He further commented, “Under Pete’s leadership, America will rise again.” (Paraphrased for a more conversational tone)

Trump is scheduled to take office in January 2025.

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2024-11-13 17:10