Peter Brian Hegseth, a prominent figure in American media and politics, has garnered significant attention throughout his career, culminating in his role as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. Born on June 6, 1980, Pete Hegseth’s age is currently 44 years old as of 2024. This article delves into the journey of Pete Hegseth, exploring his age within the context of his multifaceted career, from his early life and military service to his television presence and current position in government.
Hegseth’s life began in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His formative years in the Midwest laid the foundation for a trajectory that would see him excel in academia, serve his country in the military, become a recognizable face on television, and ultimately, take a leading role in national defense. His age is often a point of discussion, especially considering the rapid ascent in his political and governmental career in recent years.
Education and Early Military Career
At 19, Hegseth enrolled at Princeton University in 1999, marking a significant step in his intellectual and personal development. While studying politics, he actively engaged with conservative thought as a contributor and later publisher for The Princeton Tory, the university’s conservative publication. During his time there, he was involved in controversies, including editorials that sparked debate regarding social issues, showcasing his firm ideological stances from a young age. Despite the controversies, his time at Princeton was academically fruitful, and he also played basketball, demonstrating a well-rounded engagement with university life.
Graduating in 2003, at the age of 23, Hegseth not only earned his degree from Princeton but also completed the Army ROTC program. This marked the beginning of his dedicated military service. He initially joined the Minnesota National Guard and subsequently transitioned to the Army National Guard, achieving the rank of major. His military service was extensive and included three deployments. His first deployment was to Guantánamo Bay, followed by a role as a platoon leader in Iraq. Later, he served in Afghanistan, where he was involved in teaching counterinsurgency tactics. His commitment and service earned him military honors, including two Bronze Stars, recognizing his contributions in challenging environments.
Pete Hegseth at a political event, reflecting on his career.
Transition to Media and Political Commentary
After his military service, Hegseth transitioned into the realm of media and political commentary. In 2012, at the age of 32, he ventured into electoral politics with a run for the U.S. Senate representing Minnesota as a Republican. Although he withdrew before the primary, this foray into politics signaled his broader ambitions and public profile.
Two years later, in 2014, Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor. This marked a significant turning point in his career, propelling him into the national spotlight as a media personality. By 2017, at 37, he became a cohost of Fox & Friends Weekend. His tenure on the show from 2017 to 2024 solidified his reputation as a prominent conservative voice. Known for his unwavering support of Donald Trump and his conservative viewpoints, Hegseth often engaged in discussions on national issues, further amplifying his public recognition. Notably, after the 2020 presidential election, he supported unsubstantiated claims of voter fraud, aligning himself with a specific political narrative. Controversies continued during this period, including an incident in 2021 where he was removed from a National Guard security detail for President Biden’s inauguration due to concerns over his tattoos, which were linked to Christian nationalism and white supremacist groups, despite Hegseth’s explanation of them as Christian symbols. He eventually left the National Guard later that year.
Secretary of Defense Appointment
In 2024, at the age of 44, Pete Hegseth’s career took another dramatic turn when President Donald Trump nominated him for Secretary of Defense. This appointment was met with considerable debate, largely focusing on his relative lack of experience in managing large-scale organizations, especially compared to the vast and complex Department of Defense. The Department, with its millions of employees and global operations, is often described as one of the world’s largest bureaucracies.
His confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee in January 2025 was notably contentious. Democrats raised questions about allegations of personal misconduct, including issues related to alcohol and marital fidelity. Hegseth addressed these concerns by acknowledging personal imperfections while emphasizing themes of redemption. Discussions also touched upon sensitive topics such as women in combat roles, where Hegseth, despite past reservations, affirmed the current policy of inclusion. Conversely, Republican committee members largely supported his nomination, with some suggesting his outsider perspective as a beneficial “breath of fresh air.”
The Senate confirmation vote on January 25, 2025, was closely divided, resulting in a 50–50 tie that was broken by Vice President J.D. Vance, leading to Hegseth’s confirmation. Following his assumption of office, Hegseth quickly signaled policy shifts, including intentions to end DEI initiatives within the Department of Defense and a firm stance on border security.
Political Stance and Personal Life
Pete Hegseth’s political views are distinctly conservative. He has been a vocal critic of what he perceives as “woke” elements within the military leadership, arguing that focuses on diversity and equity detract from military strength. His support for pardons for soldiers convicted of war crimes also highlights his conservative stance on military justice and intervention. Hegseth has articulated his broader political philosophy in books such as The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the Men Who Keep Us Free (2024).
In his personal life, Pete Hegseth has been married three times. His first marriage to Meredith Schwarz ended in divorce in 2009. He married Samantha Deering in 2010, and they had three children before divorcing in 2017. Subsequently, he married Jennifer Rauchet in 2019, with whom he had a child in 2017 prior to their marriage. Through this marriage, he also became a stepfather to Rauchet’s three children.
Conclusion
Born in 1980, Pete Hegseth’s age of 44 in 2024 places him at a relatively young age to hold the significant office of Secretary of Defense. His journey from Princeton University to military service, through media prominence at Fox News, and now to a leading cabinet position, illustrates a dynamic and impactful career. Understanding “How Old Is Pete Hegseth” provides context to appreciate the rapid and varied experiences that have shaped his perspectives and prepared him for his current role in national leadership. His age, combined with his experiences, positions him as a notable figure in contemporary American politics and defense.
