BREAKING: Fox News Star Pete Hegseth Donates Entire $12.9M Bonus to Build Homeless Support Centers in Minneapolis
Minneapolis, MN — In a move that has stunned fans, colleagues, and the nation, Fox News host Pete Hegseth announced today he is donating his entire $12.9 million bonus and sponsorship earnings to fund a series of homeless support centers in Minneapolis, his hometown. The donation marks one of the largest single contributions to combat homelessness in Minnesota’s history.
“No One Should Have to Sleep Outside in That Kind of Cold”
Standing before a packed press conference in downtown Minneapolis, Hegseth was visibly emotional as he explained his motivation. “I’ve seen people trying to survive the brutal Minnesota winters without a roof over their heads,” he said. “I promised myself years ago that if I ever had the chance, I’d step up. And today, I can finally do that. No one should have to sleep outside in that kind of cold.”
For Hegseth, this initiative is deeply personal. Growing up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, he witnessed the harsh realities of homelessness firsthand. Volunteering at local soup kitchens as a teenager left a lasting impression, and his military service further strengthened his empathy for those without shelter. “When I came home, I saw a different kind of battlefield – one where people were fighting just to make it through the night,” he reflected.
The Minneapolis Shelter & Hope Initiative
Hegseth’s $12.9 million donation will fully fund the first phase of the Minneapolis Shelter & Hope Initiative, a multi-year project designed to tackle homelessness from multiple angles. The plan includes:
– 150 permanent housing units for individuals and families
– 300 emergency shelter beds for immediate needs
– On-site counseling and addiction recovery programs
– Job skills workshops to help residents re-enter the workforce
– A community kitchen serving free daily meals
The centers will be operated in partnership with local non-profits, housing authorities, and faith-based organizations. Hegseth emphasized that the goal is not just to offer temporary shelter, but to provide the tools and support necessary to break the cycle of homelessness.
Community Response
The announcement has been met with overwhelming support. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey praised Hegseth’s contribution as “transformational,” calling it “a shining example of what it means to give back.” Local charities, many of which have struggled with funding shortages, say the impact could be life-changing.
Mary Jensen, director of ShelterWorks, said, “Homelessness in Minneapolis has been on the rise, and resources are stretched thin. Pete’s donation will help fill critical gaps but more than that, it sends a message that high-profile figures can and should lead by example.”
Social media erupted with praise from across the political spectrum. One user posted, “We may not always agree with Pete, but this is how you use influence for good.”
A Personal Commitment and Challenge to Others
Hegseth made it clear this is not a one-time act. He has pledged to remain personally involved, from overseeing construction to volunteering at the centers once they open. “I’m not just cutting a check and walking away,” he said. “This is my community. These are my people. And I want to be part of the solution for as long as I can.”
He also called on other public figures and wealthy individuals to invest in solutions for homelessness, urging them to “look in their own backyards” for where help is most needed. “This isn’t about politics,” he insisted. “It’s about humanity. Cold doesn’t care who you voted for. Hunger doesn’t care what you believe. We can fight about a thousand other things, but when someone is freezing to death on the street, we should all be on the same side.”
Urgency Ahead of Winter
Construction on the first shelter is set to begin within the next two months, with the goal of opening before the next Minnesota winter. Hegseth stressed the urgency: “Every day we wait is another day someone might not make it. That’s not acceptable to me.”
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth’s extraordinary donation is more than a financial gift—it’s a call to action. Whether his effort sparks a broader movement remains to be seen, but for hundreds of Minneapolis residents facing the harsh reality of homelessness, the promise of a warm bed and a second chance is already on the horizon. For Hegseth, that’s the only return on investment he’s looking for.
