Pete Hegseth, a prominent and vocal advocate for Donald Trump, was appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 2025. Following Trump’s nomination of Hegseth at the end of 2024, he parted ways with Fox & Friends, where he was a well-known figure. With his transition into a significant governmental role, the question arises: what is the current status of Hegseth’s net worth, and what salary does he command in this new position?

In the wake of Trump’s endorsement, Hegseth has been met with considerable backlash, primarily for his polarizing remarks regarding women. Nonetheless, he has found unwavering support from his wife, Jennifer Cunningham Hegseth, and their children during this turbulent time. A shocking exposé by the New York Times revealed a deeply personal 2018 email exchange between Hegseth and his mother, Penelope Hegseth. In this email, she expressed her disdain, stating, “I have no respect for any man that belittles, lies, cheats, sleeps around and uses women for his own power and ego. You are that man (and have been for years) and as your mother, it pains me and embarrasses me to say that, but it is the sad, sad truth.”

In a subsequent clarification, Hegseth’s mother revealed that the email was written in a moment of anger and she later reached out to apologize to her son, indicating that their relationship remains complex yet resilient.

Let’s delve into the details surrounding Hegseth’s financial standing, including insights into his current earnings and how he sustains his lifestyle.

Discover Pete Hegseth’s Current Role as U.S. Secretary of Defense

Currently, Hegseth serves as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, a significant appointment that marks a new chapter in his career. Previously, he spent a decade at Fox News, where he began as a political commentator in 2014, eventually becoming a co-host on Fox & Friends in 2017. His nomination by former President Trump came at the end of 2024, and he officially took on the role following Senate approval. This transition from a media personality to a key political figure has raised questions about his responsibilities and priorities in this new capacity.

Before venturing into the media and political spheres, Hegseth built a foundation in leadership and service as an Army National Guard officer. His military background has likely influenced his approach to defense and governance in his current role.

Unveiling Pete Hegseth’s Impressive Net Worth and Financial Journey

Presently, Hegseth shares an estimated net worth of $3 million with his wife, as reported by Forbes. This substantial wealth has been accumulated over the years through various income streams, including his prior role at Fox News, where he reportedly earned between $6 million and $9 million from 2023 to 2024. His financial portfolio has been bolstered by numerous opportunities such as public speaking engagements and literary endeavors. According to his financial earnings disclosure report, Hegseth has garnered approximately $900,000 from speaking fees for various events, alongside $348,000 from his book, The War on Warriors, and $150,000 from Battle for the American Mind.

Furthermore, the report indicates that Hegseth has received substantial royalties for each of his published works, with earnings ranging from $100,001 to $1 million. This diverse income stream contributes significantly to his overall net worth, reflecting his ability to leverage his public persona effectively.

Understanding Pete Hegseth’s Salary Structure in His New Role

During his tenure at Fox News from 2023 through 2024, Hegseth reportedly earned a salary of approximately $4 million, as detailed in his financial earnings disclosure report. This impressive income highlights his successful career in media before transitioning to his current high-profile governmental position, where salary expectations may differ significantly.