Pete Hegseth, a figure well-known from his time at Fox News and his connections to Donald Trump, has often found his personal life in the spotlight alongside his professional journey. His relationships and family, in particular, have garnered public interest. This article delves into Hegseth’s marriages and children, providing a comprehensive overview of his family life.
Pete Hegseth’s Marriages: A Timeline of Relationships
Pete Hegseth has been married three times, with each marriage representing a distinct phase in his life.
Meredith Schwarz: The First Marriage
Hegseth’s first wife was Meredith Schwarz, someone he knew from his high school days in Minnesota. They married in 2004, marking what seemed like a classic love story. However, their marriage ended in divorce after five years, in 2009. Reports from The New Yorker indicated that the separation followed Hegseth’s admission of infidelity. This first marriage concluded with less public fanfare compared to his subsequent relationships.
Samantha Deering: Mother of Three
In 2010, Pete Hegseth entered his second marriage with Samantha Deering. This union brought stability and family life, resulting in three children. For a time, their family appeared to be thriving. However, this 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’s pregnancy with Hegseth’s child was revealed. This development led to the dissolution of Hegseth’s marriage to Deering, with their divorce finalized later in 2017.
Jennifer Rauchet: Current Wife and Blended Family
Pete Hegseth’s third and current wife is Jennifer Rauchet, a successful television producer recognized for her work at Fox News. Their paths crossed while Hegseth was co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend, a show Rauchet produced. Their relationship ignited controversy as it began while both were still married to other people.
According to CNN reports, their affair caused considerable internal issues at Fox News, leading to Rauchet’s transfer to a different program. Despite the initial scandal, Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet married in 2019 at the Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey.
Pete Hegseth’s Children: A Growing Blended Family
Pete Hegseth/Instagram
Pete Hegseth is the father of four biological children and also a stepfather to three, creating a large blended family of seven children in total.
From his marriage with second wife, Samantha Deering, Hegseth has three children. With his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet, he has one daughter, Gwen, who was born in 2017. Jennifer Rauchet also has three children from a previous marriage.
The couple embraces their blended family, and Rauchet often shares glimpses of their family life on social media platforms, posting images of their large and happy family. On her wedding day, she expressed her joy on Instagram, stating, “Feeling perfectly and happily blended (officially)!”
Controversies and Family Life Under Scrutiny
The relationship between Hegseth and Rauchet began amidst controversy. Their affair, which occurred while they were married to others, became public after Rauchet’s pregnancy was announced.
Reports from The Daily Beast detailed how this situation prompted Fox News to reassign Rauchet to mitigate workplace tensions. Critics questioned their professional ethics, while supporters highlighted their eventual marriage as a sign of commitment.
Despite the personal turmoil and public attention, both Hegseth and Rauchet continued their careers at Fox News, though their relationship remained a subject of public interest and discussion. Beyond the marital controversies, Hegseth has faced other public scandals, including a settled sexual assault allegation in 2017, further adding to the complex narrative of his public and private life.
A Life of Public and Private Dynamics
Pete Hegseth’s life presents a mix of a prominent public career in media and military service alongside a dynamic personal life marked by marriages, a large family, and controversies. With three marriages and seven children, his family life is as multifaceted as his professional endeavors.
Despite facing criticism, Hegseth and Rauchet appear dedicated to their blended family, frequently sharing moments from their life together on social media. Navigating roles as public figures and parents, Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet remain figures of public fascination and discussion.
