Pete Hegseth has become a significant name in American media and politics, particularly known for his conservative viewpoints and his tenure as Secretary of Defense in the Trump administration. As his profile has risen, many have asked about his background and formative experiences, including a fundamental question: did Pete Hegseth go to college? The answer is definitively yes. Hegseth’s college education played a crucial role in shaping his perspectives and launching his multifaceted career.
Pete Hegseth’s journey into higher education began in 1999 when he enrolled at Princeton University, a prestigious Ivy League institution. Choosing to major in politics, Hegseth immersed himself in the academic environment of one of the nation’s top universities. His time at Princeton was not solely confined to academics; he also engaged in extracurricular activities that hinted at his future trajectory. He was a member of the Princeton University basketball team, showcasing his athletic abilities alongside his intellectual pursuits. Furthermore, demonstrating his burgeoning interest in conservative thought and media, Hegseth became actively involved with The Princeton Tory, the university’s conservative student newspaper.
His involvement with The Princeton Tory was substantial. He served as a frequent contributor and even took on the role of publisher. During his time at the paper, Hegseth penned and oversaw articles that reflected a clear conservative stance. As he himself described, the publication aimed to “defend the pillars of Western civilization against the distractions of diversity.” This mission manifested in articles and editorials that sometimes sparked controversy within the university community. Notably, he co-wrote an editorial that expressed views against the “homosexual lifestyle,” labeling it as “abnormal and immoral.” These writings provide early insights into Hegseth’s conservative ideology that would later become prominent in his media and political career.
Pete Hegseth during his time at Fox & Friends.
Beyond his conservative activism and media engagement during his college years, another significant aspect of Hegseth’s Princeton experience was his participation in the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) program. Enrolling in ROTC reflects his early commitment to military service, a commitment that would become a defining feature of his career. Through the ROTC program, Hegseth received military training alongside his academic studies, preparing him for a future in the armed forces.
In 2003, Pete Hegseth successfully graduated from Princeton University, earning his degree in politics. Simultaneously, he completed the Army ROTC program, commissioning as an officer in the U.S. Army. His education at Princeton thus served as a dual foundation for his future endeavors, providing him with both a political science background and the initial training for his military career.
Following his graduation from college and ROTC, Hegseth’s path took him into military service. He joined the Minnesota National Guard in 2003 and later transitioned to the Army National Guard, eventually achieving the rank of major. His military career saw him deployed three times to various locations, including Guantánamo Bay, Iraq (where he served as a platoon leader), and Afghanistan (where he taught counterinsurgency tactics). His military service earned him honors, including two Bronze Stars, underscoring his commitment and contributions to the armed forces.
After his military service, Hegseth transitioned into media and political commentary. His background in politics from Princeton, combined with his military experience, provided a unique platform for his voice in conservative media. He became a contributor to Fox News in 2014 and rose to prominence as a cohost of Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024. On this popular show, he became well-known for his staunchly conservative views and unwavering support for Donald Trump.
Hegseth’s educational foundation at Princeton University, therefore, was instrumental in shaping his trajectory. His politics degree provided him with a theoretical understanding of political systems and ideologies, while his involvement with The Princeton Tory honed his communication and advocacy skills. Furthermore, the discipline and leadership training he received through the ROTC program were invaluable assets in his military and subsequent media careers.
In conclusion, to definitively answer the question “did Pete Hegseth go to college?”, the evidence clearly shows that yes, Pete Hegseth not only went to college but attended one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, Princeton University. His education there in politics, coupled with his extracurricular activities and ROTC participation, laid a critical foundation for his diverse and impactful career in the military, media, and politics. Understanding Hegseth’s college background is key to understanding the development of his conservative ideology and the skills that propelled him to prominence in American public life.
