Pete Hegseth

In Office

News Host

Republican

Conservative

MAGA

Media Personality

Pete Hegseth, born in 1980, is a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan. A Princeton University graduate, he worked in finance before entering media. Hegseth joined Fox News in 2014 as a contributor, becoming a frequent guest host and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend. He authored books like "American Crusade" and "The War on Warriors," and served as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America. In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated him as Secretary of Defense, with Senate confirmation pending.

/ 100

Mixed

Independence Score

Says vs Does

What they claim vs what their actions show

🗣️ SAYS THEY ARE

Populist conservative

⚡ ACTUALLY ALIGNS

Conservative media and donor networks

🎯 Primary Loyalties (Ranked)

Donald Trump
Fox News
Veterans reform groups
Pro-Israel organizations

📋 Actions That Prove It

✓Served as executive director of Concerned Veterans for America (2012-2016), lobbying for VA reforms including the 2018 VA MISSION Act that expanded veteran choice to private providers
✓Co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend (2017-2024), where he criticized military diversity initiatives and Pentagon leadership
✓Authored 'The War on Warriors' (2024), documenting alleged ideological influences in the U.S. military
✓Visited Israel after October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks to report on the conflict and express support for Israel

⚠️ Contradictions

•Publicly criticizes political elites and the 'swamp' but led Koch brothers-funded Concerned Veterans for America
•Claims focus on working-class veterans but supported VA reforms increasing private healthcare involvement
•Promotes 'America First' foreign policy while advocating strong U.S. support for Israel amid Middle East engagements

Career Background

•Captain, U.S. Army National Guard (deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay)
•President, Vets for Freedom (2007-2012)
•CEO, Concerned Veterans for America (2013-2016)
•Fox News contributor (2014-present)
•Co-host, Fox & Friends Weekend (2017-present)
•Author of books including 'American Crusade' (2020) and 'The War on Warriors' (2024)
•Nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense (announced November 2024)

Endorsements

•Endorsed Donald Trump for President (2016, 2020, and 2024)
•Received nomination and endorsement from Donald Trump for Secretary of Defense (November 2024)
•Endorsed various Republican candidates including J.D. Vance for Senate (2022)
•Received endorsements from veterans groups and conservative figures like Tucker Carlson