Pete Hegseth
Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense
Who Does This Official Serve?
Lobbyist / MediaFox News TV host with no senior military or government executive experience; media personality now overseeing world's largest military.
Appointed
January 20, 2025
1 year, 2 months in office
Confirmation Vote
51-50
Conflict Risk
High
(24 pts)3 conflicts identified
Estimated Net Worth
$2-5 million
🎭Revolving Door Analysis
Fox News TV host with no senior military or government executive experience; media personality now overseeing world's largest military.
⚠️ Conflicts of Interest (3)
👤 Personal Conduct(1)
Multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and financial mismanagement at veterans organizations
📋 Qualifications(1)
No Pentagon or large organization management experience
📜 Policy(1)
Advocated for pardons of war criminals
Affected Federal Programs
Programs under Department of Defense affected by executive orders.
Programs Affected (1)
Military and law enforcement operations against cartels designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations. Includes expanded intelligence operations, sanctions enforcement, and cross-border operations.
330.0M people affectedCareer Path
🎭 Lobbying DoorFox & Friends Weekend Co-Host
Fox News
Fox News TV host with no senior military or government executive experience; media personality now overseeing world's largest military.
Co-founder
Concerned Veterans for America
Infantry Officer
U.S. Army National Guard
Secretary of Defense
Department of Defense
Policy Positions
Military Diversity
Opposes DEI programs, "woke" policies
War Crimes
Defended troops accused of war crimes
Military Budget
Increase spending
Women in Combat
Skeptical of women in combat roles
💰 Agency Budget — FY2026
Source: USASpending.gov
Top Contract Awards (FY2023–2026)
About Department of Defense
The Department of Defense provides military forces to deter war and protect national security, overseeing the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Space Force.