President-elect Donald Trump has selected Fox News personality Pete Hegseth to lead the Pentagon, making him the first broadcast talent from a conservative network to join the incoming administration. And he may not be the last.
Hegseth, a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, will leave the network effective immediately, Fox News representatives announced Tuesday.
Hegseth, 44, has co-hosted the weekend edition of the morning show “Fox & Friends” since 2017, along with Will Cain and Rachel Campos-Duffy. A former Army National Guard employee, he joined the network as a contributor in 2014.
“Pete is tough, smart and a true believer in America First,” President Trump said in a statement announcing the appointment. “With Pete in command, America’s enemies will be on guard – our military will be great again and America will never retreat.”
Many Fox News contributors are expected to join the new Trump administration. Tom Homan, a former head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement who has made paid appearances on the network, was named President Trump’s border czar on Monday.
However, Hegseth’s exit is a surprise. He is a full-time presenter and enjoys a good salary and perks that come with a high-profile television job.
There was talk within the network that others might follow him.
The revolving door of White House government and cable news channels has flourished in recent years as each station offers numerous opinion programs.
Former White House press secretary Kayleigh McEnany joined Fox News in 2021 after Trump’s loss in the 2020 election.
Jen Psaki, who held the same position as President Biden, moved to MSNBC after two years. She currently hosts a show on the network on Sundays and Mondays. Simone Sanders, former chief press secretary to Vice President Kamala Harris and former senior adviser to the Biden campaign, also serves as the network’s weekend host.
Hegseth graduated from Princeton University and received a graduate degree from Harvard University. For military service, he was awarded two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
Hegseth is a Fox News Books bestselling author.
“His insights and analysis, especially on the military, resonated with viewers and made the show the huge success it is today,” Fox News said in a statement. “We are extremely proud of his work at Fox News and wish him the best of luck in Washington.”
