Pete Hegseth’s education, height and several incidents on Fox News in which he appeared drunk are all subjects of interest for his followers.
Pete Hegseth has become one of the most recognized faces among conservative media personalities, due to his long tenure at Fox News, compelling life story, and a dramatic new chapter after 2024: the appointment as Defense Secretary in a second Trump administration in 2025. Alongside his political and media career, many continue to follow his personal life, family, and background. Here is a complete look at his life — from his upbringing to his current high-profile position.
Pete Hegseth’s Early Life and Education
Born on June 6, 1980 in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Hegseth was raised in a conservative, middle-class family. He attended Forest Lake Area High School, and after graduation went on to study at Princeton University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics. During his time at Princeton he was actively involved in campus publications, notably serving as publisher of a conservative student magazine.
After Princeton, he continued his education at Harvard Kennedy School, where he earned a Master of Public Policy degree. The combination of an elite academic grounding and his conservative political leanings prepared Hegseth for a career blending public service, media, and political commentary.
Military Service
Before stepping into the media spotlight, Hegseth had a military career and served in the United States Army National Guard. Rising to the rank of Major, he completed deployments including in Iraq and Afghanistan, and was awarded honors such as a Bronze Star. His military background would later inform his views on national security, foreign policy, and veterans’ issues — topics he frequently addresses in his media appearances.
Wife and Family
Hegseth is married to Jennifer Rauchet, a producer associated with the network. The two wed in August 2019 in New Jersey. Together they have one daughter. Including children from Hegseth’s previous marriages, he is father to seven children. Over the years, he has emphasized family values and faith in public commentary, portraying his role as a father as central to his identity.
Before marrying Rauchet, Hegseth was married twice: first to Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009) and then to Samantha Deering (2010–2017). He had three children with Deering; with his current wife the family is blended, involving children from prior relationships as well as their daughter together.
Height and On-Screen Presence
Standing around 6 feet tall (≈ 183 cm), Hegseth’s stature and disciplined bearing — likely shaped by his military past — contribute to the professional, commanding presence he brings on screen. His confident delivery, athletic bearing, and direct style are part of what made him a distinctive and memorable media figure.
From Media Personality to Defense Secretary, 2025
Following the 2024 U.S. election and the return of Donald Trump to the presidency, Hegseth was nominated and confirmed as Defense Secretary in 2025. The appointment marked a significant shift in his career, transferring him from the role of TV commentator and weekend co-host to one of the most powerful and consequential political positions in the United States.
In his new role, Hegseth has responsibility over national defense policy, oversight of the armed forces, strategic decisions regarding international conflicts, and the administration’s engagement with global security challenges. His background as a veteran and commentator on military matters provided him with a platform for the transition — and the move immediately drew attention from supporters and critics alike, given his dual history in media and military service.
Public Perception, Name Recognition, and Controversy
Over the years, Hegseth has drawn both support and criticism. On one hand, his military credentials and outspoken support for veterans have won him admiration among many in conservative circles. On the other hand, some of his on-air remarks — including a past statement where he claimed he “had not washed his hands in 10 years” — generated ridicule and widespread social media attention. Though the remark was apparently hyperbolic, it has been often referenced by critics.
There have also been occasional internet rumors that he appeared “drunk” on certain broadcasts, though no verified evidence or credible report has ever confirmed actual intoxication or misconduct on-air. Fox News has never publicly rebuked him for any such issue, and Hegseth has not offered detailed public responses to these rumors — leaving them in the realm of online speculation and political commentary rather than confirmed fact.
Critics of his 2025 appointment as Defense Secretary highlight the perceived conflict between his former entertainment-style punditry and the solemn responsibilities of overseeing national defense. Supporters, however, argue his military service and vocal patriotism give him a unique perspective in the role.
What Happened on Fox News — Then and Now
Before assuming a cabinet-level role, Hegseth was a familiar figure on Fox News. He co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend and made regular appearances as a commentator on political, national security, and veterans’ issues.
Though some viewers occasionally noticed his absence from broadcasts, these hiatuses were typically due to vacations, special assignments, or work on longer-form projects rather than any official suspension or dismissal. Hegseth remained part of Fox’s on-air roster until his transition into government. After his confirmation as Defense Secretary, he departed his Fox News roles to focus on his new responsibilities — marking a pivot away from media and into direct public service.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Expectations
As Defense Secretary, Hegseth faces major challenges: global instability, renewed great-power competition, shifting alliances, and domestic pressures over military spending and policy. His critics question whether a former pundit can meet the demands of high-stakes diplomacy and complex defense strategy; his supporters believe his direct personality, military experience, and political alignment with the administration equip him for the job.
In either case, Hegseth’s journey — from a small-town upbringing and Ivy League education, through combat tours, media stardom, and now the Pentagon — is dramatic. As his tenure unfolds, many will be watching closely to see whether he can translate his public-facing confidence into effective leadership at one of the highest offices in government.
