Pete Hegseth, a prominent figure often mentioned as a potential pick for defense secretary by US president-elect Donald Trump, has recently found himself under intense public scrutiny. This increased attention comes as graphic details surrounding a 2017 sexual assault allegation against him have surfaced. Amidst these serious allegations, public interest has naturally extended to Hegseth’s personal life, prompting many to ask: Is Pete Hegseth Married?
Pete Hegseth at CPAC 2022 via Flickr.
According to reports from The New York Times, a woman identified as Jane Doe accused Hegseth of sexual assault following a convention in Monterey, California. Adding to the complexity, Hegseth’s legal team has acknowledged paying the woman a confidential sum in 2020 as part of a nondisclosure agreement, after she threatened legal action. Sources suggest that Hegseth was concerned about potential repercussions on his career at Fox News if the allegations became public knowledge.
As these details continue to unfold, curiosity about Pete Hegseth’s life beyond his professional endeavors has grown. Known as a decorated army veteran with service in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, as reported by CNN, Hegseth’s background is undeniably noteworthy. However, it’s his marital status that has become a central point of inquiry for many seeking to understand the man behind the headlines.
Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet attending the 2024 Fox News Media upfront in NYC.
The answer to the question “is Pete Hegseth married?” is yes. Pete Hegseth is currently married to Jennifer Rauchet. The couple tied the knot in 2019, and Hegseth frequently shares glimpses into their family life on social media platforms. Describing Rauchet as “my favorite person on planet Earth,” their public image often portrays a picture of domestic bliss. However, the path to their marriage was not without its complexities and controversies.
Jennifer Rauchet: Pete Hegseth’s Current Wife and Fox News Colleague
Jennifer Rauchet is a television producer, best known for her work on shows like Watters’ World, hosted by Jesse Watters. She is a journalism graduate of Towson University in Maryland. The professional lives of Hegseth and Rauchet intersected at Fox News, where their relationship began. Hegseth was a host for Fox & Friends Weekend, and Rauchet was a producer for the same morning show. Reports from US media outlets even suggested that an executive raised concerns about Rauchet showing favoritism toward Hegseth.
Jennifer Rauchet attends the 2024 Fox News Media upfront in NYC.
Their relationship took a controversial turn when it emerged that Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet engaged in an affair while Hegseth was still married to his second wife, Samantha Deering. This affair, reportedly beginning around 2017, became public knowledge when Rauchet became pregnant. According to CNN, multiple sources within Fox News confirmed the affair. This revelation undoubtedly cast a shadow over the initial stages of their relationship, adding another layer to the public perception of Pete Hegseth’s personal life.
In conclusion, while Pete Hegseth faces serious allegations and public scrutiny regarding his past conduct, information about his marital status is readily available. He is indeed married to Jennifer Rauchet, a fellow television professional from Fox News. However, their relationship’s origin is marked by a controversial affair, a detail that adds context to the narrative surrounding Pete Hegseth’s personal life amidst his current public challenges.
