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

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense and former Fox News commentator, is a father and stepfather to a large, blended family of seven children. This comprehensive family unit, which includes four biological children and three stepchildren, has been a significant part of the public narrative, especially following his January 2025 swearing-in ceremony where all seven children were present. The curiosity surrounding the size and structure of his family is high, given his prominent public role and his three marriages. The current family structure is a testament to the modern blended family, with children from his second marriage to Samantha Deering, one child from his current marriage to Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, and three stepchildren from Jennifer’s previous relationship. This in-depth look provides the most recent and complete details on the names and background of all seven children in the Hegseth household as of December 2025.

Peter Brian Hegseth: A Profile in Public Service and Family Life

Peter Brian Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has had a multi-faceted career that spans the military, media, and high-level government. His personal life, particularly his marriages and large family, has been closely documented alongside his professional achievements.

• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
• Age: 45 (as of December 2025)
• Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.P.P.)
• Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard officer; served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay. He holds a Bronze Star and a Combat Infantryman Badge.
• Career Highlights: Executive Director of Vets for Freedom, Fox News Contributor/Co-Host of *Fox & Friends Weekend*, and current U.S. Secretary of Defense (sworn in January 2025).
• Marital History: Married three times.
  • First wife: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009)
  • Second wife: Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017)
  • Current wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth (m. 2019)
• Total Children: Seven (4 biological, 3 stepchildren)

The Four Biological Children of Pete Hegseth

Pete Hegseth has four biological children from two of his three marriages. The majority of his biological children are sons from his second marriage, while his youngest is a daughter from his current marriage.

Children with Second Wife, Samantha Deering

Hegseth and his second wife, Samantha Deering, share three sons. These children were a significant part of his life during his rise to prominence in media and political commentary.

1. Gunner Hegseth

Gunner is the eldest of Hegseth’s biological children. His name, along with his brothers’, reflects a patriotic and military-inspired theme, consistent with Hegseth's background as a U.S. Army National Guard officer. He is often mentioned in Hegseth's social media posts, highlighting family activities and his growth.

2. Boone Hegseth (Peter)

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Boone is Hegseth’s second son. He is occasionally referred to by his first name, Peter, or his middle name, Boone. In a notable moment, Hegseth shared on Instagram in January 2024 that Boone had become the "first Hegseth ever elected" after winning a school election, a nod to the family's engagement in civic life.

3. Rex Hegseth

Rex is the youngest son from Hegseth’s marriage to Samantha Deering. Like his brothers, he is a frequent subject of his father's posts about family life, which often center around outdoor activities, sports, and conservative values.

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Child with Current Wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth

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

4. Gwendolyn "Gwen" Hegseth

Gwendolyn, often affectionately called Gwen, was born in August 2017. Her birth occurred while Hegseth was still legally married to Samantha Deering, leading to the eventual end of his second marriage. Gwen is the youngest of the four biological children and the only daughter, completing the core of Hegseth's children.

The Three Stepchildren: Completing the Blended Family of Seven

The total count of seven children is achieved by including the three children from Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth's previous marriage. Pete Hegseth has openly embraced the role of stepfather, creating a cohesive, large family unit. The concept of the "blended family" is a key topical entity when discussing the Hegseth household.

The three stepchildren are:

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5. Jackson

Jackson is one of Jennifer Rauchet’s sons, now a stepchild to Pete Hegseth. He is a part of the daily life and public appearances of the Hegseth family, including the momentous occasion of the Secretary of Defense swearing-in ceremony.

6. Luke

Luke is another of Jennifer Rauchet’s sons. The entire group of seven children—four biological and three stepchildren—are often photographed together, emphasizing the seamless integration of their families. This large family dynamic is a central theme in their shared public life.

7. Kenzie (Kensington)

Kenzie, short for Kensington, is Jennifer Rauchet’s daughter. She completes the trio of stepchildren and the full roster of seven kids in the Hegseth home. The family has often spoken about the challenges and rewards of managing such a large, blended household, focusing on unity and shared experiences.

The Hegseth Family Dynamics: Unity in a High-Profile Life

The journey to a family of seven was not without its public scrutiny, given the circumstances of Pete Hegseth’s third marriage. However, since their 2019 wedding, Pete and Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth have consistently presented a united front, focusing on their shared commitment to raising their children. The family's public presence is often characterized by a strong emphasis on patriotism, faith, and traditional values. The children's names—Gunner, Boone, Rex, Gwendolyn, Jackson, Luke, and Kenzie—are frequently linked in media reports, highlighting their shared experiences. This blended family, often seen at political events and military ceremonies, demonstrates the intricate reality of modern family structures in the lives of public figures. The family's visibility reached a peak in January 2025 when all seven children stood alongside Pete Hegseth as he was sworn in as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense. This image cemented their status as one of the most prominent families in Washington, D.C., and served as a powerful visual representation of their bond. The management of a large family while navigating a demanding role like Secretary of Defense speaks volumes about the organization and dedication of both Pete and Jennifer Hegseth. The family's life, from school elections to high-level political ceremonies, continues to be a subject of public fascination, underscoring the enduring interest in the personal lives of influential figures.