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Peter Brian Hegseth
Secretary of Defense
Fox News Host, Military Veteran
Overview
Peter Brian Hegseth is a Fox News host and Army National Guard veteran whom Trump nominated as Secretary of Defense. His confirmation was controversial due to allegations of sexual assault, excessive drinking, financial mismanagement of veterans organizations, and a settlement with a sexual assault accuser.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
Sexual assault allegation (2017, settled)
Excessive drinking concerns
Financial mismanagement at veterans groups
No senior leadership experience
Advocated pardoning war criminals
Opposes women in combat
Multiple marriages amid affairs
"I haven't washed hands in 10 years"comment
Related Investigations (0)
Criminal Charges & Violations
6 documented violations
California Penal Code § 243.4Potential Sexual Battery; 2017 allegation at California Republican convention (settled out of court)(Potential State)
26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)Potential Violation; Financial mismanagement at Concerned Veterans for America and Vets for Freedom nonprofits(Potential Tax/Nonprofit)
IRS Form 990 RequirementsPotential Violations; Accused of financial irregularities while running veterans nonprofits(Potential Tax)
18 U.S.C. § 1001Potential False Statements; Allegations of misrepresenting qualifications and conduct during confirmation(Potential Federal)
10 U.S.C. § 892 (UCMJ Art. 92)Historical; Advocated pardoning war criminals convicted under military law(Military Justice)
5 C.F.R. § 2635 (Standards of Ethical Conduct)Potential Violations; Conflicts of interest and conduct unbecoming executive branch official(Potential Ethics)
Known Associates & Connections
Donald Trump
SecDef appointee
Jeffrey Epstein
Referenced in connection with Trump administration Epstein file discussions
Matt Gaetz
Congressional ally investigated for related conduct
Keith Schiller
Fellow Trump inner circle member
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- June 6, 1980
- Birthplace
- Minneapolis, Minnesota
Education
- •M.P.P., Harvard Kennedy School
- •B.A., Princeton University
Key Timeline
2012-2014
CEO of veterans nonprofits
2014
Joins Fox News
2017
Sexual assault allegation, settles
2024
November: Nominated as SecDef
2025
January: Confirmed as Secretary