The Three Wives Of Pete Hegseth: Unpacking His 'Rollercoaster' Marital History And Blended Family Of Seven

The life of Peter Brian Hegseth, the former Fox News commentator and current U.S. Secretary of Defense, has been as public and scrutinized as his political commentary, particularly concerning his personal life. As of December 2025, Hegseth is married to his third wife, television producer Jennifer Rauchet, with whom he manages a large, blended family. His journey to this point has involved three marriages and a highly publicized relationship timeline that has captivated public interest for years.

This deep dive into Pete Hegseth’s marital history and family life provides the most up-to-date details on his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, his previous spouses, and the seven children who make up his dynamic household. His highly visible career, military service, and outspoken political views have made the details of his family a constant topic of discussion, with his current wife being a stalwart presence through his transition into a high-profile government role.

Peter Hegseth: Full Biography and Profile

Peter Brian Hegseth is an American government official, author, and former political commentator with a distinguished military background. His rise to national prominence was cemented during his tenure as a contributor and co-host on Fox News, where he became a prominent voice for conservative politics.

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• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
• Age (as of 2025): 45
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Education:
  • Princeton University (B.A. in Political Science)
  • Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (Master in Public Policy)
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard Officer (served in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Guantanamo Bay)
• Career Highlights:
  • U.S. Secretary of Defense (2025– )
  • Former Fox News Political Commentator and Co-Host (e.g., Fox & Friends Weekend)
  • Former Executive Director of Vets for Freedom
  • Author of multiple books, including In the Arena and American Crusade
• Current Spouse: Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019)
• Previous Spouses: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009), Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017)
• Children: 4 biological children, 3 stepchildren (7 total in blended family)

The Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth

Pete Hegseth's current wife is Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth. Their relationship began while both were working at Fox News—Hegseth as a contributor and Rauchet as a television producer. This professional connection blossomed into a personal one, which eventually led to his third marriage and the creation of their large, blended family.

The Timeline of Pete and Jennifer’s Relationship

The relationship between Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet was initially marked by controversy due to the timing of their courtship. The timeline of their union is a key component of his personal narrative:

• 2017: While Hegseth was still legally married to his second wife, Samantha Deering, he and Rauchet welcomed their daughter, Gwendolyn (Gwen), in August. This event was a major public reveal of their relationship.
• 2017–2018: Hegseth’s divorce from Samantha Deering was finalized in July 2018.
• August 2019: Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet were married. The wedding was a high-profile event held at the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The former President Donald Trump was reportedly in attendance at the nuptials, underscoring Hegseth’s political connections.

Jennifer Rauchet is a respected figure in the television industry, having served as an executive producer for various Fox News programs, including Watters' World and Fox & Friends. Her background as a producer has given her an understanding of the media spotlight that accompanies her husband's high-profile career, particularly his new role as Secretary of Defense. She often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, showcasing the challenges and joys of raising seven children.

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Hegseth’s Blended Family: Seven Children

One of the most defining aspects of Pete Hegseth’s personal life is his role as a father and stepfather to seven children. He and Jennifer Rauchet successfully manage a large, blended family, a concept that resonates deeply with many modern American families. The children come from Hegseth's second marriage and Rauchet's previous marriage, plus their daughter together.

The Four Biological Children

Hegseth is the biological father to four children:

• Gwendolyn (Gwen): His daughter with current wife Jennifer Rauchet, born in 2017.
• Gunner: Son from his marriage to Samantha Deering.
• Boone: Son from his marriage to Samantha Deering.
• Rex: Son from his marriage to Samantha Deering.

The three boys—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—were born during his marriage to Samantha Deering, which lasted from 2010 to 2017. The children are frequently featured in family photos, often attending events related to their father’s military and political career, including his recent swearing-in ceremony for the Department of Defense.

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The Three Stepchildren

Pete Hegseth also serves as a dedicated stepfather to Jennifer Rauchet’s three children from her previous relationship. While the family often keeps the children out of the intense media spotlight, two of the stepchildren's names are publicly known: Jackson and Kenzie. The unity of this large family unit is a testament to the commitment of Pete and Jennifer to creating a stable and loving environment despite their complex history.

The Previous Marriages: Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering

Before his marriage to Jennifer Rauchet, Pete Hegseth had two previous marriages that shaped his personal life.

First Wife: Meredith Schwarz

Pete Hegseth’s first wife was Meredith Schwarz. They were high school sweethearts and married in 2004. Their marriage lasted for five years, concluding with their divorce in 2009. This period coincided with the beginning of Hegseth’s military and political activism career, including his deployments. Public information regarding this first marriage is sparse, reflecting a time before his major national media exposure.

Second Wife: Samantha Deering

Hegseth’s second marriage was to Samantha Deering, which began in 2010. This marriage lasted approximately seven years, during which they welcomed their three sons: Gunner, Boone, and Rex. The marriage ended in divorce in 2017, following the public revelation of Hegseth’s affair with Jennifer Rauchet and the birth of their daughter. The highly publicized nature of the divorce, which was finalized in 2018, was a significant event in Hegseth's personal life, drawing immense media attention to his private affairs.

In summary, the story of Pete Hegseth’s wives and family is one of continuous evolution. From his early marriage to Meredith Schwarz and his second, family-building marriage with Samantha Deering, to his current, high-profile union with Jennifer Rauchet, his personal life has been as public and dynamic as his professional career. The blended family of seven children, often referred to as a "mega-family," remains a central and unifying force as he navigates the demanding role of U.S. Secretary of Defense.