Pete Hegseth, the author of The War on Warriors, is an Army veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Princeton University and has a master’s in public policy from Harvard University, highlighting his connection to both elite academic institutions and military service. His unusual perspective as a soldier-scholar positions him as a polarizing yet prominent voice in the national conversation about military culture and policy. Hegseth is best known as a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, where he regularly critiques progressive ideologies and their perceived impact on American institutions, including the military. His previous works, such as In the Arena (2016) and American Crusade (2020), similarly explore themes of patriotism, leadership, and the erosion of traditional American values.

Hegseth’s career trajectory reflects the ideological underpinnings of his book. As a vocal critic of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and what he calls “woke” policies, he has positioned himself as a defender of traditional military values. This perspective resonates with conservative audiences but has drawn criticism from those who view his arguments as overly simplistic or exclusionary. His political and media prominence, combined with his military background, lends weight to his critique but also invites scrutiny.