Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s pick to lead the Pentagon, has revealed his former salary as a Fox News host, providing a rare glimpse into the earnings of a cable news personality.
According to a financial disclosure, Hegseth’s salary at Fox News was just over $4.6 million over a two-year period, making him a highly paid cable news host. This figure pales in comparison to other high-earning hosts such as Sean Hannity, who earns $25 million a year, and Rachel Maddow, who took a pay cut to $25 million a year from $30 million a year after reducing her show to just one weekly episode.
Hegseth’s confirmation as secretary of defense has been met with opposition from many Democratic senators, primarily due to allegations of past sexual harassment and a lack of experience. Senators such as Mark Kelly and Tammy Duckworth have expressed concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications, citing his limited management experience and lack of background in defense.
Additionally, Hegseth is expected to face questions about his alleged heavy drinking, which was reportedly noticed by his Fox News colleagues, as well as his actions while serving in the Army, for which he received multiple honors, including the Bronze Star. Some have also called for him to release the woman with whom he signed a non-disclosure agreement, allegedly following a sexual assault allegation.