President-elect Donald Trump has appointed Fox News personality Pete Hegseth as the Secretary of Defense, marking him as the first on-air talent from the conservative network to join the incoming administration. Hegseth, a 44-year-old decorated combat veteran who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, will leave Fox News immediately.
Hegseth has been a co-host of the weekend edition of 'Fox & Friends' since 2017. He joined the network as a contributor in 2014 and has a military background as an Army National Guard officer. Trump praised Hegseth, stating, 'Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First.' He emphasized that under Hegseth's leadership, the military will be 'Great Again.'
In addition to Hegseth, other Fox News contributors are expected to join the Trump administration. Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Tom Homan was named as Trump's border czar earlier this week.
Hegseth is a graduate of Princeton University and holds a graduate degree from Harvard University. He has received two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge for his military service. Additionally, he is a bestselling author for Fox News Books.