The Seven Kids: A Deep Dive Into Pete Hegseth's Blended Family And His Children's Lives In 2025

As of December 10, 2025, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is not only one of the nation’s most prominent political figures but also the patriarch of a large, complex, and deeply patriotic blended family. The Fox News host-turned-Cabinet official has a total of seven children—four biological and three stepchildren—a fact that has drawn significant curiosity as his public profile continues to soar. The Hegseth family, which recently stood by his side during his high-profile swearing-in ceremony in Washington D.C. in January 2025, is central to his identity, often appearing in his books and public commentary. This article provides a comprehensive, up-to-date look at the names, ages, and dynamic of the seven Hegseth children, offering an intimate glimpse into the life of the new Defense Secretary's family.

Pete Hegseth: A Full Biography and Profile

The family life of Pete Hegseth is intrinsically linked to his distinguished career in the military, media, and government. His journey from a decorated Army officer to a prominent conservative voice and now a Cabinet secretary is a key context for understanding his children's upbringing.

• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Education: B.A. in Political Science from Princeton University (2003); Master's in Public Policy from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard Officer. Served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay. Awarded the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
• Media Career: Former Executive Director for Vets for Freedom; Fox News Contributor and Co-Host of Fox & Friends Weekend.
• Current Role (2025): 29th United States Secretary of Defense.
• First Marriage: Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009).
• Second Marriage: Samantha Deering (2010–2017).
• Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth (married 2019).
• Total Children: Seven (four biological, three stepchildren).

The Four Biological Children: Gunner, Boone, Rex, and Gwendolyn

Pete Hegseth is the biological father to four children from his two most recent marriages. These four children—three sons and one daughter—form the core of his biological lineage and are often featured in his discussions about faith, freedom, and the American family.

The Sons from His Second Marriage

Hegseth’s second marriage to Samantha Deering produced three sons, all of whom have names reflecting a rugged, American spirit: Gunner, Boone, and Rex.

Gunner Hegseth

Gunner is Pete Hegseth's eldest son. Born around 2009 or 2010, he is approximately 15 years old as of late 2025. He is the first of the Hegseth boys and has been mentioned by his father in the context of growing up in a military-connected family.

Boone Hegseth

Boone is the middle son of the trio. Born around 2011 or 2012, he is approximately 13 years old. Like his brothers, Boone’s life is kept relatively private, but his presence alongside his siblings at major family events, such as his father's Secretary of Defense swearing-in, highlights the family's unity despite the parents' divorce.

Rex Hegseth

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Rex is the youngest of the three sons from Hegseth's marriage to Samantha Deering. Born around 2014 or 2015, Rex is approximately 10 years old. The three boys, Gunner, Boone, and Rex, are often referred to collectively, representing the "Hegseth boys" who split their time between their parents.

The Daughter with His Current Wife

Hegseth’s fourth biological child, a daughter, was born during his relationship with his now-wife, Jennifer Rauchet.

Gwendolyn Hegseth

Gwendolyn, often called "Gwen," was born in August 2017. As of late 2025, she is approximately 8 years old. Gwendolyn is the only child Pete Hegseth shares with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, who was a Fox Nation executive producer when they met. Her birth was a pivotal moment in the family's history, preceding Pete and Jennifer’s 2019 wedding.

The Blended Family of Seven: A New Chapter in 2025

The most current and compelling aspect of Pete Hegseth’s family life is the successful blending of seven children under one roof. His current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, brought three children from a previous relationship into the marriage, creating a large, cohesive unit. The three stepchildren, whose names are generally kept out of the public spotlight for privacy, are an integral part of the family. The couple has frequently spoken about the challenges and rewards of raising a large, blended family, emphasizing the importance of shared values and mutual respect. The family’s unity was on full display in January 2025 when Pete Hegseth was sworn in as the U.S. Secretary of Defense. A widely circulated photograph showed all seven children standing proudly alongside their parents, Jennifer and Pete, at the ceremony. This public show of support cemented their status as a unified, high-profile American family navigating the complexities of Washington D.C. life. The Hegseths currently reside in the Middle Tennessee area, a move that allowed them to prioritize their family life away from the immediate political whirlwind of New York or Washington. They often cite their shared Christian faith and conservative principles as the foundation upon which they manage their large household. The children are reportedly being raised with a strong emphasis on patriotism, a value deeply rooted in both Pete's military service and Jennifer's work in conservative media. The dynamic between the four biological children (Gunner, Boone, Rex, and Gwendolyn) and their three step-siblings is a testament to the effort put into making their "modern family" work. As Pete Hegseth takes on one of the most demanding roles in the U.S. government, his seven children will undoubtedly remain his primary source of motivation and focus.