How Old Is Pete Hegseth? Age, Biography, Career, and Family Life
Pete Hegseth is 46 years old as of October 2026. Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, he is an American military veteran, former television personality, author, and government official. His career has included service in the U.S. Army National Guard, leadership positions in veterans’ organizations, and several years as a Fox News host.
The question “How Old Is Pete Hegseth?” has attracted particular attention since his appointment as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense in January 2025 under President Donald Trump.
Hegseth’s journey from a Minnesota upbringing to one of America’s most influential national security positions has involved military deployments, political commentary, and public controversy. His background, education, family life, and professional achievements offer a clearer picture of the man behind the headlines.
How Old Is Pete Hegseth in 2026?
Pete Hegseth is 46 years old, having celebrated his most recent birthday on June 6, 2026. His full birth name is Peter Brian Hegseth, and his zodiac sign is Gemini.
Some important personal details include:
- Full name: Peter Brian Hegseth
- Date of birth: June 6, 1980
- Age: 46 years old (as of October 2026)
- Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States
- Nationality: American
- Education: Princeton University and Harvard University
- Profession: Government official, military veteran, author, and former television host
- Spouse: Jennifer Rauchet
- Current position: U.S. Secretary of Defense, also using the title Secretary of War
Hegseth was 44 years old when he became Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025. His appointment placed him in charge of a major federal department responsible for American military policy, operations, and national defense.
He will turn 47 on June 6, 2027.
Pete Hegseth’s Early Life and Family Background
Pete Hegseth was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, a community northeast of the Twin Cities.
His parents, Brian Hegseth and Penelope Hegseth, were involved in education and professional development. His father worked as a teacher and basketball coach, while his mother pursued a career in coaching and career development.
Hegseth attended Forest Lake Area High School, graduating in 1999. During his school years, he participated in athletics, particularly basketball and football.
Basketball became an important part of his early life. He was a competitive player who established school scoring records before continuing the sport at college.
Growing up in Minnesota also shaped his early political and social interests. His involvement in conservative student activities became more visible during his university years.
Pete Hegseth’s Education
Princeton University
After graduating from high school, Hegseth attended Princeton University in New Jersey.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in politics in 2003. While studying at Princeton, he played basketball and participated actively in student political discussions.
He also became involved with The Princeton Tory, a conservative student publication, eventually serving in a senior editorial and publishing role.
His university experience combined academic work, athletics, and political engagement. These interests later became prominent features of his professional career.
Harvard University
Hegseth continued his education at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
In 2013, he completed a Master of Public Policy degree.
The program focuses on government decision-making, public administration, economics, and policy analysis.
His educational background gave him formal training in politics and public policy before he entered senior government leadership.
Pete Hegseth’s Military Career
Military service has been one of the central elements of Hegseth’s professional background.
Following his graduation from Princeton, he became an infantry officer in the Army National Guard.
His military career included deployments to Guantánamo Bay in Cuba, Iraq, and Afghanistan.
Service in Guantánamo Bay and Iraq
Hegseth served at the U.S. detention facility at Guantánamo Bay, where American military personnel carried out security and detention-related assignments.
He later deployed to Iraq during the Iraq War.
His responsibilities included infantry leadership and civil-military operations, which involve communication and cooperation between military forces and civilian communities.
This deployment provided direct experience of military operations in a conflict environment.
Deployment to Afghanistan
Hegseth also served in Afghanistan, where he worked as a senior counterinsurgency instructor.
Counterinsurgency involves military and political efforts against armed groups challenging an established government.
His responsibilities included helping prepare military personnel for operations in a complicated security environment.
Military Awards and Rank
During his military service, Hegseth received several decorations, including:
- Two Bronze Star Medals
- Joint Commendation Medal
- Two Army Commendation Medals
- Combat Infantryman Badge
- Expert Infantryman Badge
He attained the rank of major and concluded his National Guard service in 2021.
His military background later became a major part of his public identity and political commentary.
Career in Veterans’ Advocacy and Politics
After his military deployments, Hegseth became involved in organizations advocating for American military veterans.
He served in a leadership role at Vets for Freedom, a group that supported military operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and advocated policies affecting service members.
He later became chief executive officer of Concerned Veterans for America, an organization focused on veterans’ healthcare, government accountability, and policy reform.
These positions introduced him to national political discussions and helped build his reputation as a conservative commentator on defense issues.
In 2012, Hegseth briefly pursued the Republican nomination for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota. He withdrew from the contest before the general election.
Although that campaign did not lead to elected office, it reflected his growing involvement in Republican politics.
Pete Hegseth’s Career at Fox News
Hegseth joined Fox News as a contributor in 2014.
His military experience and conservative political views helped establish him as a commentator on national security, veterans’ affairs, and government policy.
He later became a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, a weekend morning television program covering news, interviews, and political discussions.
The position significantly increased his public visibility.
During his television career, he interviewed political figures, discussed military policy, and frequently expressed support for President Donald Trump.
He also became known for his criticism of certain Pentagon policies and military leadership decisions.
Hegseth left his television role in November 2024 after Trump announced his intention to nominate him for Secretary of Defense.
Becoming the United States Secretary of Defense
One of Hegseth’s most significant career developments occurred in January 2025.
President Donald Trump selected him to lead the Department of Defense during his second presidential administration.
The nomination attracted considerable attention because Hegseth had military experience but had not previously managed an organization comparable in size to the Pentagon.
Senate Confirmation
The Senate confirmed Hegseth on January 24, 2025, following a closely divided vote.
The Senate was split 50–50, and Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote in favor of confirmation.
Hegseth was sworn in the following day, becoming the 29th Secretary of Defense at age 44.
The confirmation process included debates about his management experience, personal conduct, and views on military policy.
Hegseth denied a sexual assault allegation that arose during public scrutiny of his nomination. His supporters emphasized his military background and commitment to changing Pentagon leadership, while critics questioned his qualifications and judgment.
Responsibilities and Current Role
As Secretary of Defense, Hegseth oversees American military policy and serves as a senior national security adviser to the president.
His responsibilities include military readiness, defense planning, personnel policy, and coordination with senior military commanders.
His leadership has emphasized military effectiveness, recruitment, physical standards, and changes to institutional policies.
In September 2025, Trump authorized the additional title Secretary of War, alongside the secondary designation Department of War. The statutory names Secretary of Defense and Department of Defense remained in place.
As of October 2026, Hegseth continues serving in this senior government role.
Pete Hegseth’s Wife and Children
Pete Hegseth is married to Jennifer Rauchet, a former television producer associated with Fox News.
The couple married in 2019.
Hegseth had previously been married to Meredith Schwarz, from 2004 to 2009, and Samantha Deering, from 2010 to 2018.
He has four biological children: three sons from his marriage to Samantha Deering and a daughter with Jennifer Rauchet.
His current blended family also includes three children from Rauchet’s previous relationship, making seven children in their combined household.
Although his family has occasionally appeared in public photographs and media coverage, Hegseth’s professional activities have received considerably more attention than his private life.
His publicly expressed Christian faith has also influenced his commentary on family, culture, and American society.
Pete Hegseth’s Books and Published Work
Alongside his military and television careers, Hegseth has written books addressing American politics, military culture, patriotism, and public institutions.
Among his published works are:
- In the Arena (2016)
- American Crusade (2020)
- Battle for the American Mind (2022), co-written with David Goodwin
- The War on Warriors (2024)
His writing generally reflects conservative political views and frequently examines the relationship between government institutions, military service, and American identity.
The War on Warriors received particular attention before his nomination to lead the Pentagon. It argues that political and cultural developments have weakened aspects of the American military.
His books have helped establish his views among audiences beyond television and veterans’ advocacy organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pete Hegseth’s exact date of birth?
Pete Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is 46 years old as of October 25, 2026.
How old was Pete Hegseth when he became Secretary of Defense?
He was 44 years old when he was sworn in as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense on January 25, 2025.
Did Pete Hegseth attend Harvard University?
Yes. Hegseth earned a Master of Public Policy degree from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013. He previously graduated from Princeton University in 2003.
Was Pete Hegseth in the military?
Yes. Hegseth served in the U.S. Army National Guard, deployed to Guantánamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and attained the rank of major. His decorations include two Bronze Star Medals.
Who is Pete Hegseth married to?
Pete Hegseth is married to Jennifer Rauchet. They married in 2019 and have a blended family of seven children.
What was Pete Hegseth’s job before joining the Pentagon?
Before becoming Secretary of Defense, Hegseth was a Fox News television personality. He was particularly known for co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend and discussing conservative politics and national security.
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth is 46 years old as of October 2026, having been born on June 6, 1980. His professional background spans military service, higher education, veterans’ advocacy, television journalism, and senior government leadership.
After serving in the Army National Guard and establishing himself as a conservative political commentator, he became the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 2025 at age 44.
His appointment marked a major transition from television and public advocacy to responsibility for American defense policy. His career, decisions, and public positions continue to make him a prominent figure in the Trump administration and national discussions about the U.S. military.
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