The Seven Pillars: How Many Kids Does Pete Hegseth Have And The Full Story Of His Blended Family
The question of "How many kids does Pete Hegseth have?" has become one of the most searched queries about the prominent public figure, especially following his high-profile transition into a major government role. As of late 2025, the U.S. Secretary of Defense is a proud father to a large blended family, a cornerstone of his public image that he frequently discusses. His family life—rooted in faith, patriotism, and a deep commitment to American values—is a significant part of his identity that resonates with his supporters and provides a unique backdrop to his political career.
The former Fox News host and military veteran is the patriarch of a family unit that totals nine people, including himself and his wife. He and his wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, are raising a total of seven children, a fact that was prominently featured when he took the oath of office for his cabinet position. This large, blended family is a direct result of his three marriages and his wife’s previous relationship, creating a complex and loving household that has captivated public interest.
Pete Hegseth: A Life in Politics, Media, and Military Service
Peter Brian Hegseth is a former Army National Guard officer, author, and television host who has recently taken on one of the most critical roles in the U.S. government. His biography is a testament to a life dedicated to conservative politics, military service, and media commentary.
- Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
- Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Education: B.A. in Politics from Princeton University; Master in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.
- Military Career: U.S. Army National Guard officer; served in Afghanistan and Iraq; received the Bronze Star and Combat Infantryman Badge.
- Media Career: Former Executive Director for Vets for Freedom; former Fox News Channel contributor and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.
- Current Role (as of 2025): U.S. Secretary of Defense.
- Current Residence: Middle Tennessee.
- Marital History:
- First Wife: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009)
- Second Wife: Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017)
- Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019)
The Complete Count: Seven Children in a Blended Family
The definitive answer to the question is that Pete Hegseth is a father and stepfather to a total of seven children. This large family was a notable presence when he was sworn in as the Secretary of Defense in January 2025, with all seven children standing proudly alongside him and his wife, Jennifer.
This "blended family" dynamic is a core part of the Hegseth household, combining his biological children from his second and third relationships with his current wife's children from her previous marriage. He has four biological children and is a dedicated stepfather to his wife's three children.
The Four Biological Children of Pete Hegseth
Pete Hegseth’s four biological children come from two different relationships. Three sons were born during his marriage to his second wife, Samantha Deering, and his youngest daughter was born with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, prior to their marriage.
- Gunner: One of his sons from his second marriage to Samantha Deering.
- Boone (Peter): Another son from his second marriage, who sometimes goes by his middle name, Peter. Boone recently gained attention for being elected in a local political role, which Hegseth proudly shared on social media in early 2024.
- Rex: The third son from his marriage to Samantha Deering.
- Gwendolyn "Gwen": His only daughter, born in August 2017. Gwendolyn is his child with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet.
The three older boys, Gunner, Boone, and Rex, spent their early years in the Hegseth-Deering family unit before the separation and the formation of the new blended family. The addition of Gwendolyn solidified the new family unit with Jennifer Rauchet.
The Three Stepchildren (Jennifer Rauchet’s Children)
Pete Hegseth is a dedicated stepfather to the three children his wife, Jennifer Rauchet, brought into the marriage from her previous relationship. While the family generally keeps the children out of the spotlight, the names of the three stepchildren have been reported in various sources:
- Jackson
- Luke
- Kenzie (Kensington)
Together, the seven children—four biological and three stepchildren—form the large, cohesive family that has been a central focus of Hegseth’s life, often sharing posts on social media about their activities, from hunting and fishing to celebrating holidays and attending his swearing-in ceremony.
The Evolving Family Dynamic and Public Life
Pete Hegseth's family life has always been intertwined with his high-profile public career. His dedication to his children is a recurring theme in his books and public appearances, where he often speaks about raising them with a strong sense of patriotism and Christian faith.
His marriage to Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, began in 2019, creating the blended family of seven. The Hegseths have made a conscious effort to raise their children in a home that values traditional American principles, moving their family to Middle Tennessee, a location that aligns with their conservative values and desire for a more family-focused environment.
The recent appointment of Hegseth as U.S. Secretary of Defense in 2025 has put an even greater spotlight on his family. His family’s presence at the swearing-in ceremony underscored the importance of family support in his new, demanding role. The family’s move to the Washington D.C. area, or at least a significant portion of their time there, marks a new chapter, transitioning from the world of cable news to the highest levels of government. The Hegseth family, with its seven children, has become one of the most visible families in the current political landscape, demonstrating the challenges and rewards of maintaining a large, blended family while navigating a high-stakes career in public service.
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