America First Nomination: Pete Hegseth

Biography

Pete Hegseth, a former military officer, author, and Fox News host, combines a distinguished record of service and advocacy with a passion for public discourse. Born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, he graduated as valedictorian of his high school class before earning a degree in politics from Princeton University and a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Serving as a Major in the Minnesota Army National Guard, Hegseth completed tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, earning two Bronze Stars for his service. His experiences in the military led him to become a vocal advocate for service members and veterans. After honorably completing his military service, Hegseth led organizations such as Vets for Freedom and Concerned Veterans for America, in which he was a leading national voice in the effort to promote conservative values in service members and veterans’ affairs. A published author, Hegseth has written In the Arena: Good Citizens, a Great Republic, and How One Speech Can Reinvigorate America (2016), American Crusade: Our Fight to Stay Free (2020), and The War on Warriors: Behind the Betrayal of the men Who Keep Us Free (2024), contributing to the national conversation on freedom and security.

America First Credentials

Supports

Revitalizing Military Excellence

Advocates for a military culture centered on meritocracy, lethality, accountability, and excellence, emphasizing the need to eliminate policies that detract from combat readiness.

Peace Through Strength

Believes that a robust and capable military is essential for ensuring long-term peace and stability, deterring adversaries through demonstrated strength.

Patriotic Education in Military Schools

Plans to implement educational reforms within the Department of Defense Education Activity to promote patriotic principles and classical education and counteract perceived leftist ideologies.

Opposes:

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives in the Military

Criticizes the prioritization of diversity and inclusion efforts, arguing that they undermine the military’s core mission and effectiveness.

Military Industrial Complex

Calls for a 10-year ban on retired generals working for defense contractors, aiming to reduce the influence of the military-industrial complex on defense policies.

America First Achievements

Advocacy for Veterans’ Rights

Spearheaded key initiatives as the executive director of a prominent veterans’ organization to reform the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). These efforts included advocating for landmark legislative reforms, such as the Veterans Choice Act, which expanded healthcare options by allowing veterans to seek care outside the VA system when needed. Additionally, efforts were made to increase accountability within the VA, pushing for better oversight of its operations to ensure efficiency and responsiveness to the needs of veterans. The initiatives prioritized improving mental health services and addressing critical issues like the high rates of veteran suicide and post-traumatic stress disorder. Under this leadership, a comprehensive approach to veteran care was championed, encompassing medical treatment, job training, and community reintegration. These contributions significantly enhanced the overall quality of services and access to care for millions of veterans across the United States.