United States Secretary of Defense
United States Secretary of Defense (2025–)
| Born | 1980-06-06 · Minneapolis |
|---|---|
| Party | Republican |
| Offices |
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| Education | Princeton University (BA) Harvard University (MPP) |
| Military service | United States Army, Army National Guard · 2003–20062010–20142019–2021 · Major · 3rd Battalion, 187th Infantry Regiment, Minnesota Army National Guard, District of Columbia Army National Guard · Iraq War, War in Afghanistan |
| Awards | Bronze Star, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge |
Portrait: U.S. Department of Defense · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
What this person said on the record, as reported, newest first.
Bloomberg Television’s Balance of Power discusses the latest developments on Capitol Hill, including Hegseth’s view that Massie’s bid hurts troops and leadership questions facing both parties after the midterms.
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Bloomberg Television
After a Republican congressman launched an effort to impeach him, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth defended his record. BBC correspondent Gary O’Donoghue breaks down his response.
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BBC News
Hegseth said the effort to impeach him over the Iran war was “not patriotism” but “sabotage.”
TTRT World
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who faces possible impeachment by Congress, urged troops in a social media video to “ignore the noise.” He said the Trump administration was more determined than ever to finish what it had started.
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CNN
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged an impeachment threat in a social media video released Thursday. He said it would amount to “the politics of personal destruction” and insisted it would not work against him.
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The Associated Press
VOA’s daily news roundup says War Secretary Hegseth proposed a US-ASEAN defense cooperation framework. It also reports that the Russia-Ukraine ceasefire had held for 30 hours without violations, Israel’s election count remained close, and the US Air Force’s ARRW hypersonic missile entered mass production.
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VOA Chinese
At annual defense talks in the Philippines, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth pledged continued cooperation with Southeast Asian nations and said the United States would defend its own interests and those of its allies in the Pacific.
TThe Associated Press
Hegseth accused Tehran of building a large conventional missile arsenal to deter military action while pursuing what he called “nuclear ambitions.”
TTRT World
The Pentagon says the Army will livestream the upcoming firing-squad execution of Nidal Hasan, who killed 13 people at Fort Hood in 2009. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who backed the decision, called the broadcast a “no-brainer” in an interview.
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Global News
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the U.S. military will livestream an execution for the first time, making it viewable worldwide. The person due to die by firing squad was the shooter in the 2009 mass shooting at Fort Hood.
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NBC News
Reports that mention this person, by story.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced new military commands and projects in a sweeping speech to junior officers and enlisted troops. One unit focused on researching the future of warfare will be led by Elon Musk, Anduril Industries founder Palmer Luckey and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich.
BBloomberg NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-10-01 03:30
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he plans to cut the number of generals and admirals by 20% by January 1, 2027. In a major overhaul of military leadership, he repeated his “warriors, not woke” mantra and warned that officers who reject his vision could be pushed out. DW discusses the implications with Carrie A. Lee and Brent Sadler.
DDW NewsOriginal★★★☆☆2026-10-01 03:20
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says he will fire 20 percent of the military’s generals and admirals as part of his “anti-woke” overhaul. He also announced a new technology-focused warfare division to be co-led by Elon Musk.
AAl JazeeraOriginal★★★☆☆2026-10-01 02:34
Hegseth has ordered a 20% reduction in the US military’s top ranks, covering generals and admirals.
TTRT WorldOriginal★★★★☆2026-10-01 02:30
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the US military had cut its generals and admirals by 20%, describing the move as accountability rather than a purge. He also announced plans for a drone-focused warfare command and a task force led by Elon Musk, Newt Gingrich and Palmer Luckey to examine future weapons and warfare.
DDWOriginal★★★★☆2026-10-01 01:45
War Secretary Pete Hegseth used a September 30 “State of the Force” speech at the Marine Corps base in Quantico to make six announcements, including a new four-star Autonomous Warfare Command intended to accelerate U.S. military work on autonomous systems and robotic combat capabilities. The Pentagon will also launch Project Meridian to study future warfare, jointly led by SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich.
VVOA ChineseOriginal★★★☆☆2026-09-30 23:54
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a new autonomous warfare command at the Pentagon during a speech to troops at a Virginia military base. He also repeated several of his previous criticisms of military culture.
CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-09-30 22:44
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced in his “State of the Force” address that the U.S. military will cut 20% of its general and admiral positions—about 170 slots—by January 1. He described the personnel shift with phrases including “ideological clowns” and “patriotic cowboys.”
CCNNOriginal★★★☆☆2026-09-30 20:56
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that the United States had reduced its number of generals and admirals by 20 percent. He described the move as intended to promote “accountability.”
FFrance 24Original★★★☆☆2026-09-30 20:16
Pete Hegseth said Elon Musk, Palmer Luckey and Newt Gingrich will help the Pentagon with a warfare initiative.
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CNBCOriginal★★★☆☆2026-09-30 20:03
