The Seven Children Of Pete Hegseth: Inside The Secretary Of Defense’s Blended Family Life

As of December 2025, the family life of political commentator and new Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, is a topic of intense public curiosity, primarily revolving around the size of his household. The simple answer to "how many kids does Pete Hegseth have" is seven, a large, vibrant, and cohesive blended family unit he shares with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth. This significant number of children is a central part of his public persona, often highlighted alongside his commitment to "Faith, Family, and Freedom." The Hegseth family—which includes four biological children and three stepchildren—recently stood shoulder-to-shoulder with their father as he was sworn in as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense in January 2025, a powerful visual that captivated the nation. Their blended family dynamic is a testament to the complexities and joys of modern family life, navigating the challenges of military service, high-profile media careers, and now, the demands of a Cabinet-level government position.

Pete Hegseth: A Full Biography and Family Profile

Peter Brian Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, has had a multi-faceted career spanning military service, political commentary, and now, high-level government administration. His personal life has been marked by three marriages, resulting in a large family that has grown over time.

• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
• Place of Birth: Forest Lake, Minnesota
• Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.P.A.)
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard Officer (Served in Afghanistan and Iraq)
• Current Role (as of 2025): United States Secretary of Defense
• Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth (m. 2019)
• Previous Wives: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009); Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017)
• Total Children: Seven (4 biological, 3 stepchildren)
• Residence: Middle Tennessee

Hegseth’s journey from a decorated Army veteran and Fox News host to the head of the Department of Defense has kept his family in the spotlight, highlighting their move to Middle Tennessee and their commitment to conservative, Christian family values.

The Complete List of Pete Hegseth's Seven Children

The total number of children in the Hegseth household is seven, a figure that includes his four biological children from two separate relationships and the three children his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, brought to the marriage. This "blended family" has become a central theme in his public life.

Pete Hegseth's Four Biological Children

Hegseth has four biological children, three sons from his second marriage to Samantha Deering, and one daughter with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, who was born before their marriage.

1. Gunner Hegseth

Gunner is Hegseth’s oldest son, born during his marriage to Samantha Deering. As of a recent update, Gunner is approximately 15 years old. He is often mentioned in his father’s posts, representing the oldest of the Hegseth boys.

2. Boone Hegseth (Peter)

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Boone is the second son, whose full first name is Peter, sharing his father's name. He is approximately 13 years old. In a unique family moment in January 2024, Hegseth proudly shared that Boone had become the "first Hegseth ever elected" after winning a school or local position.

3. Rex Hegseth

Rex is the third son from his marriage to Samantha Deering. He is approximately 10 years old. The three Hegseth boys—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—are frequently featured in family photos, often engaged in outdoor activities that align with their father’s patriotic and traditional values.

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4. Gwendolyn Hegseth

Gwendolyn is Hegseth's only biological daughter, whom he shares with Jennifer Rauchet. She was born in 2017, prior to Pete and Jennifer’s 2019 wedding. She is the youngest of Hegseth's biological children.

The Three Stepchildren from the Rauchet Family

In addition to his four biological children, Pete Hegseth is a dedicated stepfather to Jennifer Rauchet’s three children from her previous marriage. This instantly expanded the family to seven, a large and busy household that they embrace.

1. Jackson Rauchet

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Jackson is Jennifer's oldest child, born in March 2011. He is one of the three stepchildren who complete the blended family dynamic.

2. Kenzie Rauchet (Kensington)

Kenzie, sometimes referred to as Kensington, is Jennifer’s daughter, born in October 2013. She is the only daughter among the three stepchildren.

3. Luke Rauchet

Luke is the youngest of Jennifer’s children, born in March of a recent year. All three stepchildren were present alongside the four biological children when Hegseth took his oath of office as Secretary of Defense, underscoring the unity of their family.

Raising a Blended Family of Seven: Faith, Freedom, and the Demands of Public Service

The size of the Hegseth family is not just a numerical fact; it’s intrinsically linked to the "Faith, Family, and Freedom" platform that Pete Hegseth has championed throughout his career. He and Jennifer have openly discussed their commitment to raising their children with strong Christian values, emphasizing patriotism and a classical education.

The Dynamics of a Large, Blended Household

Managing seven children—ranging in age from early elementary school to mid-teens—is a logistical challenge for any family, let alone one thrust into the high-stakes world of Washington D.C. politics. The Hegseths have embraced this challenge, often portraying their large family as a source of strength and a symbol of their commitment to traditional values.

• Logistical Challenges: With children from three different relationships and a demanding schedule as Secretary of Defense, balancing school, extracurricular activities, and family time requires significant coordination.
• Public Scrutiny: The family's size occasionally leads to lighthearted public moments. Hegseth once joked about the sheer number of children, saying, "Sorry, it's a lot of kids," after a moment of confusion, a relatable experience for any parent of a large family.
• Focus on Values: Hegseth frequently speaks about the importance of fathers charting a course for their children that leads to Jesus Christ, indicating a strong religious foundation for their parenting style.

The Secretary of Defense and Family Commitments

Pete Hegseth’s new role as Secretary of Defense is one of the most demanding positions in the U.S. government, requiring frequent travel and immense time commitment. The family’s move to Middle Tennessee has been a deliberate choice to maintain a sense of normalcy and groundedness away from the immediate political bubble of the capital, though the demands of the job are undeniable.

The presence of all seven children at his swearing-in ceremony served as a powerful public declaration that despite his new, intense professional responsibilities, his family remains his most important commitment. This visual message reinforces the core belief that his public service is driven by a desire to protect the nation for the future of his children and all American families.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Hegseth Family

How many times has Pete Hegseth been married?

Pete Hegseth has been married three times. His first marriage was to Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009), his second was to Samantha Deering (2010–2017), and his current marriage is to Jennifer Rauchet (married 2019).

What are the names of Pete Hegseth’s biological children?

Pete Hegseth has four biological children: three sons—Gunner, Boone (Peter), and Rex—from his second marriage, and one daughter, Gwendolyn, with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet.

Is Pete Hegseth's family a blended family?

Yes, the Hegseth family is a blended family. Pete Hegseth has four biological children, and he is a stepfather to his wife Jennifer Rauchet's three children from her previous marriage, bringing the total number of children in the household to seven.