The Seven Children Of Pete Hegseth: Inside The Blended Family Of The Defense Secretary
As of December 22, 2025, the question of "how many children does Pete Hegseth have" has a clear and fascinating answer that reflects his blended family life. The Fox News contributor and current United States Secretary of Defense is a devoted father to a large family, which has grown and evolved through his marriages.
The total number of children in the Hegseth household is seven. This includes four biological children from his previous and current relationships, and three stepchildren from his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth. The complexities of their family structure are a central part of the public persona of the conservative media personality and political figure.
Pete Hegseth: A Detailed Biographical Profile
The family life of Pete Hegseth is intertwined with his high-profile career as a media figure, author, and government official. His journey has involved three marriages and the creation of a large, blended family.
- Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
- Date of Birth: June 6, 1980
- Place of Birth: Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
- Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government (M.P.A.)
- Military Service: U.S. Army National Guard (served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan)
- Current Role: United States Secretary of Defense (appointed by President Donald Trump)
- Media Career: Fox News Channel contributor, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, author of multiple books including American Crusade and Battle for the American Mind.
- First Wife: Meredith Schwarz (married 2004, divorced 2009)
- Second Wife: Samantha Deering (married 2010, divorced 2017)
- Current Wife: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth (married 2019)
- Total Children: Seven (4 biological, 3 stepchildren)
The Seven Hegseth Children: Biological and Blended Family Breakdown
Pete Hegseth's current family unit is a testament to modern blended families, bringing together children from two different marriages on both sides. The family resides in Middle Tennessee, a location they often highlight on social media, emphasizing their faith and commitment to American values.
Pete Hegseth's Four Biological Children
Hegseth has four biological children. Three of his sons—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—were born during his marriage to his second wife, Samantha Deering. His fourth biological child, a daughter named Gwendolyn (or Gwen), was born to his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, while the two were dating.
- Gunner Hegseth: One of the older sons, Gunner is often seen in family photos and is a part of the blended family's dynamic.
- Peter Boone Hegseth (Boone): Boone has recently gained public attention. In January 2024, Pete Hegseth proudly shared that his son, who goes by his middle name, Boone, was elected to a local post, making him the "first Hegseth ever elected." This highlights the family’s deep roots in politics and public service.
- Rex Hegseth: Rex is the youngest of the three sons from his second marriage.
- Gwendolyn "Gwen" Hegseth: Gwen is the youngest biological child and the only daughter Hegseth has fathered. She was born to Jennifer Rauchet before their marriage in 2019.
The names of his children—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—often reflect a patriotic, rugged, and traditional American aesthetic, aligning with Hegseth's public persona as a staunch conservative and military veteran. The family frequently shares pictures of outdoor activities, hunting, and conservative political events.
The Three Stepchildren from Jennifer Rauchet
When Pete Hegseth married Jennifer Rauchet, a television producer who has worked on shows like Watters' World, in 2019, he became a stepfather to her three children from a previous relationship. This union immediately expanded his family to seven children, creating the large, bustling household they share today.
While the stepchildren are kept relatively private compared to the biological children, their presence is a crucial element of the Hegseth family dynamic. They are often mentioned as a collective unit, underscoring the family’s commitment to raising all seven children together. Jennifer was also a mother of three when she and Hegseth began their relationship, which led to the complexity of their early years together.
The names of the stepchildren are occasionally cited as Jackson, Kensington, and Luke in various reports, though the family typically refers to them as a unit of three, ensuring their privacy while acknowledging the full size of their family.
The Impact of a Large Family on a High-Profile Career
The sheer size of the Hegseth family—seven children ranging in age and background—adds a unique layer to his life as a prominent political and media figure. Hegseth often speaks about the importance of "Faith, Family, and Freedom," and his large family serves as a powerful, visible example of these values.
His children, particularly the older ones, are increasingly becoming part of his public life. The news of his son Boone's election in 2024 brought the family into the political spotlight, demonstrating a generational commitment to public service. This focus on family is a key part of his brand, resonating with his conservative base and adding a personal touch to his political commentary and defense policy discussions.
The daily logistics of managing a household with seven children, especially with both parents holding high-stress, high-profile jobs (Jennifer is an executive producer and Pete is a cabinet-level official), are immense. They have often discussed the challenges and joys of raising a large, blended family, emphasizing the need for strong values, discipline, and a shared commitment to their Christian faith and patriotism. This open approach to their family life provides a relatable, human element to the often-intense world of Washington D.C. politics and cable news commentary. The family's residence in Tennessee, away from the immediate D.C. spotlight, is likely a deliberate choice to provide a more grounded environment for the children.
In conclusion, Pete Hegseth is the patriarch of a blended family of seven children. His four biological children (Gunner, Boone, Rex, and Gwendolyn) and three stepchildren from his wife Jennifer Rauchet form a large, cohesive unit that is central to his personal life and public identity as a leading conservative voice and the current Secretary of Defense.
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