Pete Hegseth and His 7 Children: A Look into His Sons and Daughters
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/pete-hegseth-wife-jennifer-rauchet-kids-blended-family-042225-a31461ad601d4e54a9c5d4350e1a9b7e.jpg)
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, is a proud father of seven children. He shares three children with his ex-wife, Samantha Deering, and four children with his current wife, Jennifer Hegseth. The couple’s blended family dynamic has been a subject of interest, with frequent glimpses into their life shared on social media.
After his divorce from his high school sweetheart, Pete welcomed his first three sons with Samantha Deering. Gunner was born in June 2010, followed by Peter Boone in August 2012 and Rex in October 2015. The family enjoyed outings together, including attending sports games and relaxing at the beach. Pete has often shared moments of pride, such as when his son Peter (known as Boone) was elected as class president.
In 2017, Pete and Jennifer Hegseth welcomed a daughter named Gwendolyn. Their relationship began while working together at Fox News, where Jennifer was a producer on Pete’s show, Fox & Friends. Jennifer also has three children from a previous marriage, creating a loving and supportive environment for all seven siblings.
In an interview, Pete expressed his thoughts on being a stepfather to Jennifer’s children, emphasising that they are a united family without distinctions. The Hegseth clan does not recognise the terms ‘step’ or ‘half,’ highlighting the importance of their bond and shared experiences.
The family of nine relocated to Tennessee in 2022, with Pete sharing their adventures in exploring their new home on social media. Middle Tennessee was chosen for its private Christian academy, aligning with their values and providing an enriching environment for their children’s education.
During Pete’s swearing-in as Secretary of Defense in January 2025, all seven children were present to show their support and celebrate this significant moment. Photos shared on social media captured the heartfelt embrace and pride displayed by the Hegseth family.
In a light-hearted podcast episode, Pete jokingly mentioned who from the Trump administration he would trust to babysit his seven kids. Referring to Vice President JD Vance and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy as trusted candidates, he playfully excluded others, suggesting a playful dynamic within their social circles.
The Hegseth family’s journey showcases the importance of love, unity, and shared experiences in creating a strong family bond. Pete’s role as a father and stepfather is underlined by his unwavering commitment to his children, regardless of biological ties, demonstrating the true essence of family values and togetherness.