Ever wondered how much Pete Hegseth is worth in 2025? From a high-paying career at Fox News to taking a significant pay cut as U.S. Secretary of Defense, his financial journey is fascinating.
His earnings span television, book royalties, speaking engagements, and investments. But with a luxurious 77-acre estate in Tennessee and a sizeable mortgage, how does he manage his finances?
Let’s take a deep dive intoPete Hegseth net worth, his salary, financial decisions, and assets to see how he built and maintains his fortune.
Pete Hegseth Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Peter Brian Hegseth |
| Popular Name | Pete Hegseth |
| Birth Date | June 6, 1980 |
| Age (as of 03/04/2025) | 44 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | N/A |
| Education | Harvard Kennedy School (2009–2013), Princeton University (1999–2003), Forest Lake Area High School (1999) |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019), Samantha Hegseth (m. 2010–2017), Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004–2009) |
| Children | 7 (Including stepchildren) |
| Dating | N/A |
| Siblings | N/A |
| Parents | Penelope Hegseth, Brian Hegseth |
| Height | 1.83 meters |
| Net Worth | $3M – $4M |
| Source of Wealth | Government salary, former TV earnings, book royalties, investments |
What is the Net Worth of Pete Hegseth in 2025?
As of 2025, Pete Hegseth has an estimated net worth of $3–4 million. This wealth primarily comes from his time as a Fox News host, where he earned $2.4 million annually, along with $900,000 from speaking engagements and book royalties ranging from $100,000 to $1 million.
Compared to media personalities like Jesse Watters and Tucker Carlson, his wealth is modest. However, stepping into a government role as Secretary of Defense significantly cut his earnings, bringing his salary down to $250,600 per year.
Related People and Companies
- Donald Trump
- Fox News
- Jennifer Rauchet
- Tucker Carlson
- Jesse Watters
- Vets for Freedom
- Harvard Kennedy School
- The Princeton Tory
- Scott Bessent
- J.D. Vance
For more financial insights into famous figures, check out the top wealthiest public figures.
Pete Hegseth Wealth, Salary, and Financial Overview
How Much Does He Earn?
Pete Hegseth’s current salary as U.S. Secretary of Defense is $250,600 per year. This marks a significant drop from his Fox News salary of $2.4 million annually.
Beyond government pay, his book royalties add another revenue stream. His 2022 book, “Battle for the American Mind,” and 2024’s “The War on Warriors” have contributed between $100,000 and $1 million in royalties.
Additionally, he earned $900,000 from speaking engagements in 2023 and 2024.
How Did He Make His Money?
His financial journey can be broken down into several key income sources:
- Fox News Career: As a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, he was earning millions annually.
- Book Royalties: His published works continue to generate income.
- Speaking Engagements: Paid speeches added nearly $900,000 to his earnings.
- Investments & ETFs: He holds assets valued between $380,000 and $850,000.
What Are His Investments and Financial Assets?
Hegseth has diversified his portfolio, with a focus on exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and cryptocurrency:
- ETFs valued between $380,000 and $850,000.
- Bitcoin holdings worth up to $50,000.
- Cash savings between $69,000 and $180,000.
His wife, Jennifer Rauchet, also has personal assets between $905,000 and $2.3 million, which boosts their combined net worth to around $3–4 million.
What Properties Does He Own?
Hegseth owns a luxurious 77-acre estate in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, valued at $3.2 million. However, he has a 20-year mortgage ranging from $1 million to $5 million, with $2.5 million still owed and monthly payments exceeding $19,000.
Additionally, he owns a rental property in Baltimore, Maryland, which has generated up to $1 million in income, though it is valued at zero or less than $1,000 in financial disclosures.
How Has His Financial Situation Changed Over Time?
Over the years, Hegseth has seen major financial shifts:
- Fox News Career (2014–2024): His highest earning years, bringing in over $4.6 million from 2022 to 2024.
- Government Career (2025–Present): A significant drop in salary but increased influence as Secretary of Defense.
- Investment Growth: Holding assets, ETFs, and Bitcoin has helped him maintain financial stability.
How Does He Spend His Money?
Hegseth’s spending habits reflect a balanced lifestyle:
- Family Support: Raising seven children and managing a blended family.
- Real Estate & Mortgage Payments: Allocating over $19,000 per month to his Tennessee property.
- Investments & Savings: Actively growing his financial portfolio through ETFs and Bitcoin.
- No Known Extravagant Spending: Unlike some celebrities, he is not widely known for luxury splurges.
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth’s financial journey shows a stark contrast between media success and government service. While his net worth sits at $3–4 million, he has taken a huge pay cut to serve as Secretary of Defense.
His investments, book sales, and real estate holdings help sustain his financial standing. Want more insights on celebrities’ financial lives? Check out Pennbookcenter.com for the latest updates!
