Peter Hegseth (born June 6, 1980) is a Princeton-educated veteran and former Fox News host who became the 29th U.S. secretary of defense in 2025. A former infantry officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard, he deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan before co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024. His Senate confirmation in January 2025 was historic, requiring a tie-breaking vote from Vice President JD Vance—only the second time in U.S. history—and making him the second-youngest defense secretary after Donald Rumsfeld. Hegseth's tenure has been highly controversial, drawing criticism for a leaked Signal group chat, alleged war crimes in Caribbean strikes, promoting Christianity in the military, and rules of engagement in the 2026 Iran war. He also faced allegations of sexual misconduct, financial mismanagement, and excessive drinking during his confirmation hearings, which he denied.