The Three Wives Of Pete Hegseth: A Deep Dive Into Jennifer Rauchet's Unprecedented Role In His Career

The personal life of Pete Hegseth, the prominent Fox News contributor and current U.S. Secretary of Defense, has been as high-profile and dramatic as his political commentary, marked by three marriages and a large, blended family. As of late 2025, his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, has stepped into a surprising and unprecedented role, moving beyond the traditional spouse's position to become a key figure in his professional life. This in-depth look provides the most current details on his three wives, his seven children, and the controversy surrounding his third marriage.

The intense public interest surrounding "Pete Hegseth's wife" is driven by a desire to understand the woman behind the headlines, especially given the recent news about her influence in the Pentagon. Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth is not just a political spouse; she is a media professional and a mother of seven, navigating the complexities of a blended family while serving as a top advisor to one of the nation's most powerful political figures, a detail that has sparked significant curiosity and debate in 2025.

Pete Hegseth: A Complete Biography and Family Profile

To fully understand the context of his current marriage, it is essential to first outline the biography and complex family structure of Pete Hegseth.

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• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Born: June 6, 1980 (Age 45 as of late 2025)
• Place of Birth: Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
• Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A.)
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard (Served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan)
• Career: Former Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, CEO of Concerned Veterans for America, Fox News Contributor, Author, Current U.S. Secretary of Defense (appointed 2024/2025)
• Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019)
• Previous Wives: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009), Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017)
• Total Children: Seven (a blended family)
• Three with second wife, Samantha Deering.
• Three step-children from Jennifer Rauchet's previous marriage (Jackson, Luke, and Kenzie).
• One biological child with current wife, Jennifer Rauchet (Gwen/Gwendolyn).

Wife #3: Jennifer Rauchet and Her Unprecedented Role

Jennifer Rauchet is the current wife of Pete Hegseth, and their relationship began under controversial circumstances while both were still married to other people. They married in 2019, but their story is defined by more than just their personal union; it is now intertwined with high-level government affairs.

The Professional Background of Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth

Before becoming a political spouse, Jennifer Rauchet had a successful career as a media professional. She is an alumna of Towson University, where she earned a degree in journalism. Most notably, she worked for years as a producer at Fox News, a role that brought her into contact with Hegseth, who was a network host and contributor at the time. She was a driving force behind several high-profile shows, including Watters' World and Fox & Friends.

The Controversial Start and Blended Family Life

Hegseth and Rauchet's relationship began while Hegseth was still married to his second wife, Samantha Deering. Rauchet was also married at the time. The two welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Gwendolyn, in August 2017, before divorcing their respective spouses and marrying each other in a private ceremony at the Trump National Golf Club in September 2019.

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Together, they manage a large, blended family of seven children. This includes Hegseth's three children from his second marriage, Rauchet's three children from her previous marriage (Jackson, Luke, and Kenzie), and their shared daughter, Gwendolyn. This massive family unit has been a frequent topic in their public appearances, highlighting the challenges and rewards of co-parenting and blended family dynamics.

The Shocking Shift to Top Advisor in 2025

The most compelling and unique aspect of Jennifer Rauchet's story in 2025 is her transition from former television producer to a top political advisor. Following Hegseth's appointment as U.S. Secretary of Defense, reports emerged that Jennifer Hegseth was serving as his close, and sometimes controversial, top advisor.

This role has drawn scrutiny, particularly after it was reported that she attended meetings where sensitive, classified information was being discussed, a highly unusual practice for a spouse, even one with a professional background. Her presence in these high-stakes meetings, including those with foreign officials, has raised ethical questions about the blurring lines between the personal and official duties of a Cabinet Secretary. Her supporters, however, view her involvement as a natural extension of her media expertise and her husband’s trust in her judgment.

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A History of Marriage: The First Two Wives

Pete Hegseth's road to his current marriage involved two previous unions, both ending in divorce, which form a crucial part of his personal narrative.

First Wife: Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009)

Hegseth's first wife was Meredith Schwarz. They were high school sweethearts from Minnesota. The couple married in 2004. Their marriage lasted approximately five years, ending in divorce in 2009. They did not have any children together. The divorce was reportedly linked to the strains of Hegseth's military service and deployments overseas, though specific details remain private.

Second Wife: Samantha Deering (2010–2017)

His second marriage was to Samantha Deering. They tied the knot in 2010. This union was more fruitful, as they welcomed three sons together. The names of their children are Gunner, Boone, and Rex. However, this marriage also eventually dissolved. The relationship faced significant public scrutiny when it was revealed that Hegseth was involved with Jennifer Rauchet, leading to Deering filing for divorce in 2017.

Topical Authority: Hegseth's Blended Family and Public Image

The narrative of Pete Hegseth's three wives and seven children is central to his public image, often positioning him as a figure who values traditional family structures despite his own unconventional path. The sheer size of their blended family—a total of seven children living under one roof—is a point of interest for many followers and detractors.

The family's visibility has increased significantly since Hegseth's appointment as Secretary of Defense in 2025. They were all present when he took the oath, symbolizing the unity of their large household. The dedication of the inaugural Pentagon Christmas Tree in late 2025 by Hegseth and Jennifer also highlighted their new, prominent position in the Washington D.C. political landscape. Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth’s unique position—balancing the role of a mother of seven, a former media professional, and a top, controversial advisor to a Cabinet Secretary—ensures that the story of "Pete Hegseth's wife" remains a central and evolving topic in political and celebrity news.