The Seven Hegseth Children: A Complete List Of Pete Hegseth's Biological And Stepkids
The question of "how many kids does Pete Hegseth have" has become a major point of curiosity, especially following his high-profile nomination as the U.S. Secretary of Defense in late 2024. The answer is a definitive seven—a large, blended family that the political commentator and former Fox News host frequently celebrates. As of the current date, December 22, 2025, Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, are raising a total of seven children, comprising four biological children and three stepchildren, reflecting a unique and modern family dynamic in American public life.
This extensive family unit is central to Hegseth's public persona, often highlighted in discussions about faith, freedom, and traditional American values. His journey to becoming a father of seven spans three marriages and includes a mix of sons and daughters, each with their own distinct place in the Hegseth household, which is now based in Middle Tennessee. Understanding the composition of this family requires a look at his relationships and the children born from them, offering a complete picture of his life away from the political spotlight.
Pete Hegseth's Full Biography and Family Profile
Peter Brian Hegseth is a prominent figure in American media and politics, known for his conservative commentary and military background. His family life is intertwined with his professional journey, creating a compelling narrative of a modern American patriot.
- Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
- Place of Birth: Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.P.A.)
- Military Career: U.S. Army National Guard (served in Afghanistan and Iraq); former Executive Director of Vets for Freedom.
- Media Career: Former Fox News contributor and co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend.
- Political Role (Current): Nominee for U.S. Secretary of Defense (as of late 2024).
- Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth (married 2019)
- Previous Wives: Meredith Schwarz (2004–2009); Samantha Deering (2010–2017)
- Total Children: Seven (4 biological, 3 stepchildren)
- Residence: Middle Tennessee
The Definitive Answer: Seven Children in a Blended Family
Pete Hegseth is the proud father of seven children. This large family is the result of a blended household with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, who was a former executive producer at Fox News. The family structure is often described as one large unit, with Hegseth referring to all seven as "the kids" in his public statements and social media posts.
The seven children are a mix of four biological children born to Pete and three stepchildren from Jennifer's previous marriage. This blended family dynamic is a key aspect of their life in Middle Tennessee, where the children are being raised with a strong emphasis on faith and patriotism.
Pete Hegseth's Four Biological Children
Pete Hegseth has four biological children from two of his marriages. The first three are sons from his second marriage to Samantha Deering, and the youngest is a daughter from his current marriage to Jennifer Hegseth.
- Gunner Hegseth: Born during his marriage to Samantha Deering. Gunner is his eldest son, approximately 15 years old as of late 2024.
- Boone Hegseth (Peter): Born during his marriage to Samantha Deering. His middle name is Peter, and he is often referred to by his middle name. Boone is approximately 13 years old and made headlines in early 2024 for being elected to a youth leadership position, which Pete celebrated on Instagram.
- Rex Hegseth: Born during his marriage to Samantha Deering. Rex is the youngest of the three sons from this marriage, approximately 10 years old as of late 2024.
- Gwendolyn Hope Hegseth: His only biological daughter, Gwendolyn, was born in 2017 to Pete and Jennifer Rauchet (before their marriage). She is approximately 7 years old and has been mentioned by name in public, with Pete confirming her age during a Senate hearing.
The Three Stepchildren from Jennifer Hegseth
In addition to his four biological children, Pete Hegseth is a dedicated stepfather to Jennifer Hegseth's three children from her previous relationship. This commitment to the entire family unit is a cornerstone of their life together.
The three stepchildren are:
- Jackson: One of Jennifer's sons.
- Kensington: One of Jennifer's daughters.
- Luke: Jennifer's third child.
The full roster of seven children—Gunner, Boone, Rex, Gwendolyn, Jackson, Kensington, and Luke—makes for a busy and lively household, which the family often shares glimpses of on social media, showcasing a life focused on family values and patriotic pride.
The Family Dynamic in the Spotlight: From Fox News to the Pentagon
The Hegseth family's life has been thrust into the national spotlight, particularly since Donald Trump nominated Pete Hegseth for the role of Secretary of Defense. This new level of scrutiny has brought his complex family history to the forefront of public discussion, but the focus remains on their unity as a blended family of seven.
The Journey to a Blended Family
Pete Hegseth's marital history is a key part of his family's story. His first marriage to Meredith Schwarz ended in 2009. His second marriage to Samantha Deering, which produced his three oldest sons (Gunner, Boone, and Rex), ended in 2017. During this time, Hegseth began a relationship with Jennifer Rauchet, a colleague at Fox News, and their daughter, Gwendolyn, was born in 2017. Pete and Jennifer married in 2019, officially blending their families to form the current unit of seven children.
Jennifer Hegseth (née Rauchet) brought her three children—Jackson, Kensington, and Luke—into the marriage. The couple has successfully navigated the challenges of creating a large, cohesive family, emphasizing their shared conservative and Christian values as the foundation of their home.
Topical Authority: Family Values and Public Life
Hegseth frequently uses his platform to discuss the importance of family, faith, and freedom, positions that gain significant topical authority from his own experience as a father of seven. He has publicly stated that he and Jennifer pray that all their children "grow up to love God and country." This commitment to traditional American values is a recurring theme in his books and commentary, making his family life a powerful extension of his public political identity.
The visibility of his family, including his children's presence at his Senate confirmation hearings and their shared life in Middle Tennessee, solidifies his image as a devoted family man navigating a high-profile political career. The Hegseth children, from the eldest son Gunner to the youngest daughter Gwendolyn, represent a new generation being raised under the intense scrutiny of national politics.
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