Pete Hegseth serves as the U.S. Defense Secretary under President Donald Trump’s second term. He was officially sworn in by Vice President JD Vance on January 25, 2025.
Originating from Minnesota, Hegseth completed his undergraduate studies at Princeton University in 2003. He later obtained a master’s degree from Harvard University in 2013.
Hegseth’s military background includes significant time with the U.S. Army National Guard. He participated in multiple active-duty deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan. His dedication and performance during his service earned him numerous awards such as two Bronze Star Medals, two Army Commendation Medals, the Combat Infantryman Badge (CIB), the Expert Infantryman Badge (EIB), and the Joint Commendation Medal.
A former Fox News host, Pete Hegseth has also made contributions to literature with several published works. Among his notable books is “The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free,” released in 2024.