The Seven Children Of Pete Hegseth: Inside The Blended Family Of The New Defense Secretary

The family life of Pete Hegseth has become a prominent topic of discussion following his high-profile appointment to the U.S. Cabinet in early 2025. The former Fox News personality and decorated Army National Guard officer is the patriarch of a large, blended family, sharing seven children with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, and his former spouse, Samantha Deering. This dynamic family structure is central to the life of the newly appointed Secretary of Defense, who frequently speaks about his commitment to faith, family, and country. The public's curiosity centers on the four biological children and the three stepchildren who form the "Hegseth Seven," a group that was visibly present during his official swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C. As of late 2025, the blended family resides in Middle Tennessee, a location that aligns with their conservative values and focus on a faith-based upbringing. This article provides an in-depth look at the children, their mothers, and the unique family life of one of America's most recognizable political figures.

Peter Brian Hegseth: A Brief Biography and Family Profile

Peter Brian Hegseth, born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has had a multifaceted career that spans military service, media, and government. His life has been marked by a strong dedication to conservative principles and a significant commitment to his family.

• Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth
• Born: June 6, 1980 (Age 45 in 2025)
• Birthplace: Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Education: Princeton University (B.A.), Harvard University (M.P.P.)
• Military Career: U.S. Army National Guard officer; served in Afghanistan and Iraq; received the Bronze Star and the Combat Infantryman Badge.
• Previous Career: Former Fox News contributor, co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, and author of several best-selling books.
• Current Role: U.S. Secretary of Defense (appointed in 2025).
• Wives: Married three times. Currently married to Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019).
• Children: A blended family of seven children (four biological, three stepchildren).

Hegseth's path to his current family structure involved two previous marriages. His first marriage was in 2004. He then married Samantha Deering, with whom he had three sons. His relationship with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet—a former Fox News producer—began as an affair while he was still married to Samantha. He and Rauchet welcomed their daughter, Gwendolyn, in 2017, and they married in 2019, officially forming their large, blended family.

The Four Biological Children: Gunner, Boone, Rex, and Gwendolyn

Pete Hegseth has four biological children from his second and third marriages, all of whom are an integral part of his public and private life. He and his current wife, Jennifer, are raising all seven children with a strong emphasis on patriotism and Christian faith, stating they pray their children "grow up to love God and country."

The Sons with Samantha Deering

Hegseth shares three sons with his second wife, Samantha Deering (also known as Samantha Hegseth). The boys are frequently mentioned in his books and public commentary, often serving as inspiration for his views on American education and culture.

• Gunner Hegseth: The eldest son, Gunner, is approximately 15 years old as of late 2025.
• Boone Hegseth: The middle son, Boone, is approximately 13 years old as of late 2025.
• Rex Hegseth: The youngest son from this marriage, Rex, is approximately 10 years old as of late 2025.

The three boys represent the core of Hegseth's family from his second marriage. The transition following his separation from Samantha and subsequent marriage to Jennifer was a significant shift, but the children remain a central focus for both parents.

The Daughter with Jennifer Rauchet

Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet welcomed their only biological child together before their marriage, adding a daughter to the family.

• Gwendolyn "Gwen" Hegseth: Gwendolyn was born in August 2017. She is the youngest of Hegseth's biological children, and her birth coincided with the public knowledge of his relationship with Rauchet.

Gwendolyn’s arrival cemented the new family unit, leading to the blended family dynamic that now defines the Hegseth household. The difference in age between Gwendolyn and her older brothers creates a unique mix of sibling relationships within the home.

The Blended Family and the Hegseth Seven

The most compelling aspect of Pete Hegseth’s family life is the large, blended unit of seven children. This total includes his four biological children and the three children Jennifer Rauchet brought into the marriage from a previous relationship. This structure of a blended family, often referred to as the "Hegseth Seven" in media reports, underscores the challenges and rewards of merging two families. Jennifer Rauchet’s three children, whose names are generally kept private to protect their identity, are raised alongside Gunner, Boone, Rex, and Gwendolyn. The decision to combine their families was a conscious choice that speaks to the couple's commitment to creating a stable and loving environment for all their children. The family's move to Middle Tennessee was reportedly part of this effort, providing a setting that aligns with their values and offers a sense of community. The children are now growing up in a home environment heavily influenced by their father's conservative political commentary, military background, and deeply held Christian beliefs.

The Role of Step-Parenting and Co-Parenting

Navigating co-parenting with his ex-wife, Samantha Deering, for his three sons, while simultaneously step-parenting Jennifer's three children, highlights a complex but increasingly common modern family dynamic. Hegseth often uses his platform to discuss the importance of traditional family values, making his own blended family a real-world example of modern co-parenting in the public eye. The presence of all seven children at the Secretary of Defense swearing-in ceremony in early 2025 was a powerful visual statement. It symbolized the unity and support of his entire family unit, regardless of their biological connections, as he took on one of the highest-ranking roles in the U.S. government. This public display of family solidarity is a key part of his public persona, emphasizing that his commitment to service is deeply rooted in his commitment to his home life. The children, ranging in age from elementary school to mid-teens, are growing up under the intense scrutiny that comes with a high-profile political career. As Pete Hegseth continues his work in the Cabinet, the "Hegseth Seven" remain a powerful symbol of his personal life and the strong foundation that supports his professional endeavors.

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