Pete Hegseth, known for his time as a Fox News host and his background as Donald Trump’s potential pick for defense secretary, has navigated much of his life in the public eye. His professional journey, combined with a personal life marked by significant relationships and family developments, often captures public attention. One frequent question arising from public interest is, how many kids does Pete Hegseth have? This article delves into Hegseth’s family life, exploring his marriages and providing a clear answer to the question about his children.
Pete Hegseth’s Marriages: A Timeline
Pete Hegseth’s personal life includes three marriages, each representing a distinct phase in his life both personally and professionally.
First Marriage: Meredith Schwarz
Hegseth’s first marriage was to Meredith Schwarz, a relationship that began in high school in Minnesota. They married in 2004 but divorced in 2009. According to reports from The New Yorker, the marriage concluded after Hegseth confessed to infidelity. This first union, while significant in his personal history, ended with less public fanfare compared to his subsequent relationships.
Second Marriage: Samantha Deering
In 2010, Hegseth married Samantha Deering, marking his second marriage. This relationship brought children into Hegseth’s life; together, they had three children. For a time, their family life appeared stable. However, the marriage faced challenges when Hegseth became involved with Jennifer Rauchet, a senior producer at Fox News.
The relationship with Rauchet became publicly known in 2017 when she became pregnant with Hegseth’s child. This revelation led to the dissolution of Hegseth’s marriage to Deering, and their divorce was finalized later in 2017.
Third Marriage: Jennifer Rauchet
Jennifer Rauchet is Pete Hegseth’s third and current wife. She is a well-known television producer, recognized for her work at Fox News. Their paths crossed when Hegseth was co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend, a show Rauchet was producing. Their relationship began under scrutiny as both were married to other individuals at the time.
According to CNN reports, their affair caused considerable friction within Fox News, resulting in Rauchet’s reassignment 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.
Seven Children in a Blended Family: How Many Kids Does Pete Hegseth Actually Have?
Pete Hegseth/Instagram
So, how many kids does Pete Hegseth have? The answer is that Pete Hegseth is the father of seven children in total. He has four biological children and is a stepfather to three more, creating a large blended family.
Specifically:
- With his second wife, Samantha Deering, Pete Hegseth has three children.
- With his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet, he has one biological daughter, Gwen, who was born in 2017.
- Jennifer Rauchet has three children from a previous marriage. These children are now stepchildren to Pete Hegseth, making a combined family of seven.
Jennifer Rauchet often shares moments from their family life on social media, frequently posting images of their large and seemingly happy family. On their wedding day, she expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Feeling perfectly and happily blended (officially)!” This reflects the integrated family dynamic they have built.
Controversy and Family Life
The relationship between Hegseth and Rauchet started amidst controversy. Their affair, which occurred while they were both married to others, became public after Rauchet’s pregnancy.
Reports from The Daily Beast indicated that this situation led Fox News to move Rauchet to another position to mitigate workplace issues. Critics questioned the ethical implications of their relationship, while supporters highlighted their eventual marriage as a sign of commitment.
Despite the personal challenges and public attention surrounding the beginnings of their relationship, both Hegseth and Rauchet continued their careers at Fox News. Their relationship, however, remained a point of public interest and discussion, especially concerning workplace ethics and personal conduct in the public eye.
Controversies Beyond Marriages
Beyond his marital history, Pete Hegseth has faced other public controversies that have contributed to the complex narrative of his personal life. In 2017, a sexual assault allegation was made against him. The New York Times reported that a woman accused Hegseth of assault following a convention in Monterey, California.
In 2020, Hegseth’s legal team reached a settlement in this case, involving a payment to the claimant and a non-disclosure agreement. This incident, though not publicly discussed in detail by Hegseth, further shaped public perceptions of his character and behavior.
Additionally, in 2023, reports emerged suggesting Jennifer Rauchet’s involvement in internal issues at Fox News, specifically regarding Tucker Carlson’s departure. While these claims were denied by both Hegseth and Rauchet, they added another layer to the scrutiny surrounding their professional and personal lives.
A Blended Family and Public Persona
Pete Hegseth’s life presents a study in contrasts – a decorated military background and prominent media career juxtaposed with personal controversies and a complex family life. With three marriages and seven children, his family life is undeniably a significant part of his public image.
Despite facing criticism and public scrutiny, Hegseth and Rauchet appear dedicated to their blended family, often sharing aspects of their life together on social media. As Pete Hegseth continues to navigate his roles as a political commentator and family man, he remains a figure who evokes strong opinions and public fascination. The question of how many kids does Pete Hegseth have is just one facet of a much larger and more intricate public persona.
