Pete Hegseth, a figure well-known from his time at Fox News and for his connections to Donald Trump, often finds his personal life in the spotlight alongside his professional endeavors. His relationships and family, in particular, have garnered public attention. This article delves into Hegseth’s marital history and children, aiming to understand the dynamics of his family life.
Navigating Marriages and Family
Pete Hegseth’s personal journey includes three marriages, each marking distinct phases in his life.
Meredith Schwarz: The First Chapter
His first marriage was to Meredith Schwarz, someone he knew from his high school days in Minnesota. They married in 2004, but their relationship ended in divorce in 2009. Reports from The New Yorker indicated that the separation followed Hegseth’s admission of infidelity. This first marriage concluded quietly, especially when contrasted with the publicity surrounding his later relationships.
Samantha Deering: Growing Family
In 2010, Hegseth married Samantha Deering, his second wife. This marriage saw the growth of his family, with the couple welcoming three children. For a time, they presented an image of a stable family life. However, the marriage faced challenges when Hegseth became involved with Jennifer Rauchet, a senior producer at Fox News.
The affair became publicly known in 2017 when Rauchet became pregnant with Hegseth’s child. This revelation led to the dissolution of Hegseth’s marriage to Deering, with their divorce finalized later in the same year.
Jennifer Rauchet: Current Partnership and Blended Family
Jennifer Rauchet, now Hegseth’s third and current wife, is a notable figure in television production, primarily known for her work at Fox News. Their paths crossed while Hegseth was co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend, where Rauchet was a producer. Their relationship began under scrutiny because both were married to other individuals at the time.
According to CNN, their affair caused considerable friction within Fox News, resulting in Rauchet being moved to a different show. Despite the initial controversy, Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet married in 2019 at the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
A Large Blended Family
Pete Hegseth/Instagram
Pete Hegseth is a father to four biological children and a stepfather to three, creating a blended family of seven children in total.
From his marriage with Samantha Deering, Hegseth has three children. With Jennifer Rauchet, he has one daughter, Gwen, who was born in 2017. Jennifer Rauchet also has three children from a previous relationship. Together, they have embraced a blended family dynamic that includes all seven children.
Jennifer Rauchet often shares glimpses of their family life on social media, posting pictures that showcase their large and seemingly happy family. On her wedding day, she expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Feeling perfectly and happily blended (officially)!” This public image suggests a harmonious co-parenting arrangement within their blended family, although specific custody details are not publicly disclosed. Therefore, whether Pete Hegseth has full custody of any of his children is not explicitly stated, but the blended family dynamic implies shared custody or visitation arrangements across both parents in each of his marriages.
Controversies and Public Scrutiny
The relationship between Hegseth and Rauchet started amidst controversy. Their affair, occurring while they were both married to others, became public knowledge following Rauchet’s pregnancy.
Reports from The Daily Beast indicated that Fox News addressed the situation by reassigning Rauchet to mitigate workplace issues. The situation led to criticism regarding professional ethics, although supporters emphasized their subsequent marriage as a sign of commitment.
Beyond his marital life, Hegseth has faced other public controversies. In 2017, allegations of sexual assault surfaced. The New York Times reported a claim from a woman accusing Hegseth of assault after a convention in California. Hegseth’s legal team reached a settlement in 2020, involving a payment and a non-disclosure agreement.
Furthermore, in 2023, there were reports suggesting Rauchet’s involvement in internal conflicts at Fox News, including claims that she played a role in Tucker Carlson’s departure. However, both Hegseth and Rauchet have denied these allegations.
Conclusion: A Life in the Public Eye
Pete Hegseth’s life presents a complex picture of public achievement and personal challenges. With a background in military service and a prominent media career, his personal life, marked by three marriages and a large blended family, remains a point of public interest.
While specific details about child custody are not publicly available, Pete Hegseth’s blended family with Jennifer Rauchet suggests a co-parenting approach. Despite facing controversies, Hegseth continues to be a notable figure in the public sphere, balancing his professional and family life in the full view of public scrutiny.
