The Three Marriages Of Pete Hegseth: Who Is His Current Wife, Jennifer Rauchet, And His New Role As Secretary Of Defense?

As of December 2025, Pete Hegseth is currently married to his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a television producer whom he wed in 2019. The couple's relationship and subsequent marriage have been a topic of significant public interest, particularly due to the circumstances surrounding his previous divorce and their professional connection at Fox News. This union, which has expanded his family to a total of seven children, marks the latest chapter in the personal life of the prominent military veteran and political figure.

This article provides an in-depth, updated look at the marital history of Pete Hegseth, including the fresh details surrounding his recent transition from a popular cable news personality to a high-ranking government official. The latest news regarding his appointment as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in 2024/2025 has brought renewed scrutiny to his personal life, family, and career trajectory, cementing his status as one of the most talked-about figures in American politics and media.

Pete Hegseth: Comprehensive Biography and Profile

Pete Hegseth's life is a compelling blend of military service, conservative media commentary, and high-stakes political involvement. His background as a decorated Army National Guard officer and his tenure at Fox News have shaped his public persona and led him to his current, influential cabinet role.

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• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
• Education: Princeton University (B.A., 2003); Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A., 2013)
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard (2003–present)
• Rank: Major (as of 2025)
• Deployments: Served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba (2004–2005); Baghdad, Iraq (2005–2006); and Afghanistan (2012–2013)
• Previous Career Highlights: Executive Director of Vets for Freedom; CEO of Concerned Veterans for America (CVA); Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend (2017–2024); Fox News Contributor
• Current Role (as of 2025): U.S. Secretary of Defense
• Total Marriages: Three
• Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet (married 2019)
• Total Children: Seven (including stepchildren)

The Three Chapters of Pete Hegseth's Marital History

Pete Hegseth has been married three times, with each relationship marking a distinct period in his life and career. His public profile has often intertwined with his personal relationships, especially given the visibility of his career in media and politics.

First Marriage: Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009)

Hegseth's first marriage was to Meredith Schwarz. The couple married in 2004, shortly after his graduation from Princeton University and his commission as a U.S. Army National Guard officer. This period coincided with the start of his military career, including his first deployments to Guantanamo Bay and Iraq. The marriage ultimately ended in divorce in 2009.

Second Marriage: Samantha Deering (2010–2017)

His second marriage was to Samantha Deering, whom he married in 2010. This union was significant as the couple had three biological children together: sons Gunner, Boone (Peter), and Rex. Samantha Deering was often seen publicly with Hegseth during his rise in the conservative veterans' advocacy space and his early appearances on cable news. The marriage dissolved in 2017, leading to a public divorce.

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Current Marriage: Jennifer Rauchet (2019–Present)

The relationship with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, began before his divorce from Samantha Deering was finalized. Jennifer Rauchet was a colleague at Fox News, working as an executive producer for programs like Watters' World and Fox & Friends Weekend, the show Hegseth co-hosted. The couple welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Gwen, in 2017, before their marriage. They were married in a ceremony at the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey, in 2019. This relationship, which began as an office romance, has been the most scrutinized of his personal life, but it has endured and is now a central part of his family unit.

Jennifer Rauchet: The Woman Behind the Secretary of Defense

Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth is a successful television producer with a long career in media. Her professional background and personal life have both been subjects of public and political commentary, especially since her husband's rise to a cabinet position.

Rauchet is an alumna of Towson University in Maryland. Before her tenure at Fox News, she gained experience working with WPIX-TV in New York. At Fox News, she held a high-level production role, contributing to the success of several popular shows and meeting Pete Hegseth in the process. Her work in media has given her a unique understanding of the political landscape and public relations, which is now relevant given her husband's high-profile government role.

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The couple's blended family is a significant aspect of their life. Together, they are raising seven children. This includes Hegseth's three sons from his second marriage (Gunner, Boone, and Rex), Jennifer Rauchet’s three children from her previous relationship (Jackson, Kensington, and Luke), and their shared daughter (Gwen). This large family unit, often featured on Hegseth's social media, reflects a commitment to faith and conservative family values, which are key components of his public image.

From Fox News to the Pentagon: Hegseth's New Role

The most significant and recent development in Pete Hegseth's career is his transition from conservative media personality to a member of the U.S. cabinet. In November 2024, President-elect Donald Trump nominated Hegseth for the position of Secretary of Defense. Following confirmation, he was sworn in, marking a monumental shift in his professional life.

This appointment brings his military background—including his service in the Army National Guard and his multiple deployments to war zones—to the forefront of his public identity. His new role as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, which some sources refer to with the historic name "Secretary of War," places him at the helm of the Department of Defense, overseeing the nation's military strategy, budget, and personnel. This move is a powerful testament to the merging of conservative media influence and political power, a key topical authority point for understanding the current political climate.

The transition from a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend to leading the Pentagon is a rare and dramatic career pivot. It underscores the political views and trust placed in him by the Trump administration. His conservative advocacy, his books like American Crusade and In the Arena, and his outspoken commentary on cultural and political issues have all contributed to his rise. This new government role ensures that Pete Hegseth and his family, including his wife Jennifer Rauchet, will remain highly visible and influential figures on the national stage for the foreseeable future.