Pete Hegseth: From Fox & Friends to Leading 3 Million Defense Employees

The Department of Defense has 3 million employees. It's the largest government bureaucracy on Earth. And as of his confirmation, it's run by a former Fox & Friends weekend co-host.

The Resume Gap

Every defense secretary for the last 40 years brought one of three things to the job: senior military command, decades in the Pentagon, or national security policy experience. Usually more than one. Pete Hegseth brought a Princeton degree, National Guard service as a platoon leader, and seven years on Fox & Friends Weekend. No senior government role. No large organization ever managed. No national security policy experience. The Union of Concerned Scientists put it plainly: Hegseth has not served in a senior role in the military, nor in government, nor made national security policy, nor led a large organization. That's in stark contrast to the last 10 confirmed secretaries.

How The Confirmation Went

During his confirmation hearing, his own former sister-in-law submitted a sworn affidavit. She said he had a drinking problem and was abusive to his ex-wife. He was confirmed anyway. By the tie-breaking vote of JD Vance.

What He's In Charge Of Now

Hegseth is now in charge of the war with Iran. Trump renamed the Department of Defense to the Department of War in September 2025. I guess qualifications were optional. Loyalty was the requirement.

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