Pete Hegseth wife, Jennifer Rauchet, is more than just the partner of a public figure. She has her own identity, career, and story. In this blog, we explore her life—from childhood to her current role as a central figure in Pete Hegseth’s personal and public world.
Her presence in Hegseth’s life and career has drawn attention from fans, political analysts, and the media. While Pete is often in the spotlight, Jennifer plays a unique role behind the scenes and in front of the cameras.
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Who Is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth is a prominent American television personality, former Army National Guard officer, and conservative political commentator. He gained national recognition as a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend, where he voiced strong opinions on military, social, and political issues. A decorated veteran, Hegseth served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, receiving two Bronze Stars for his service. Known for his patriotic stance and close ties to Republican leaders, he became a trusted figure in conservative media. As of 2025, he serves as the U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump, continuing to influence national security policy and military affairs.
Biography
Pete Hegseth is an American government official, military veteran, author, and former television host. Since January 25, 2025, he has served as the 29th United States Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump. Born on June 6, 1980, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a degree in politics. He later earned a Master of Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2013. Hegseth was commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard after graduating from Princeton.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Brian Hegseth |
| Date of Birth | June 6, 1980 |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S. |
| Education | B.A. in Politics, Princeton University (2003); M.P.P., Harvard University (2013) |
| Military Service | U.S. Army National Guard (2003–2006, 2010–2014, 2019–2021) |
| Military Rank | Major |
| Military Deployments | Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, Afghanistan |
| Awards | 2× Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, Army Commendation Medals |
| Media Career | Fox News Contributor (2014–2024), Co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend |
| Political Roles | Executive Director, Vets for Freedom; Concerned Veterans for America |
| Current Position | 29th United States Secretary of Defense (since January 2025) |
| Political Affiliation | Republican |
| Marital Status | Married to Jennifer Rauchet |
| Children | 4 |
Career And Achievements
Pete Hegseth has built a multifaceted career encompassing military service, media engagement, authorship, and public administration. Commissioned as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army National Guard, he served in Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan, earning two Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantryman Badge. Transitioning to media, Hegseth became a Fox News contributor and co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024. In January 2025, he was appointed as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense under President Donald Trump.
| Domain | Details |
|---|---|
| Military Service | U.S. Army National Guard officer; deployed to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq, and Afghanistan; awarded two Bronze Star Medals and the Combat Infantryman Badge. |
| Media Career | Fox News contributor starting in 2014; co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024. |
| Authorship | Authored several books, including American Crusade (2020) and The War on Warriors (2024). |
| Public Office | Appointed as the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense in January 2025 under President Donald Trump. |
Who Is Pete Hegseth Wife?
Jennifer Rauchet is the wife of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. A former Fox News executive producer, she met Hegseth while both were working at the network. Their relationship began while both were married to other people, and in 2017, Rauchet gave birth to their daughter, Gwendolyn. The couple married in August 2019 at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey, in a ceremony attended by Donald Trump and Sean Hannity.
Early Life of Jennifer Rauchet
Jennifer Rauchet was born in the United States, but not much is publicly known about her childhood. She grew up in a typical American household, where values like hard work and determination were important.
Her upbringing shaped her into a strong, career-oriented woman. She stayed away from the limelight during her early years and focused on building a path that aligned with her goals.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jennifer Cunningham Rauchet |
| Date of Birth | January 30, 1980 |
| Place of Birth | United States |
| Parents | Father: Businessman; Mother: Homemaker |
| Education | Bachelor’s degree in Journalism |
| Alma Mater | Towson University, Maryland |
Education Journey Of Pete Hegseth Wife
Jennifer attended Towson University, located in Maryland. She studied journalism, a field she would later build her career in. At Towson, she gained both the knowledge and practical skills to work in the media industry.
Her education helped her land jobs at big media companies, including Fox News. This education was the start of her long and successful journey as a media producer.
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| High School | Completed high school in the United States (specific school not publicly disclosed) |
| University | Towson University, Maryland |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Journalism |
| Graduation Year | Not publicly disclosed |
| Career Start | Began media career in 2001 at WPIX-TV |
| Fox News Tenure | Joined in 2006; executive producer for Fox & Friends and Watters’ World |
Family and Children
The Jennifer Rauchet story wouldn’t be complete without a look at her family. Jennifer and Pete have a large blended family. Jennifer has three children from a previous relationship. Pete has three kids from his second marriage, and together, they have a daughter named Gwen, born in 2017.
Here’s a table summarizing their family structure:
| Parent | Children | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Rauchet | 3 (from previous marriage) | Names not publicly disclosed |
| Pete Hegseth | 3 (with Samantha Deering) | From his second marriage |
| Together | 1 (Gwen) | Born in 2017 before their marriage |
Their household includes seven children, making it one of the larger families in media circles.
How Old is Jennifer Rauchet?
Jennifer Rauchet was reportedly born in 1980, which makes her around 45 years old in 2025. That puts her close in age to Pete Hegseth, who was also born in 1980.
Despite being in the public eye, she maintains a youthful appearance and energetic presence. Her age never gets in the way of her professional or personal responsibilities.
Relationship History
Before becoming his wife, Jennifer was in another marriage. She kept the details private, and not much is known about her first husband. Pete was also married before, twice in fact.
Pete’s first wife was Meredith Schwarz, and they divorced in 2009. He then married Samantha Deering in 2010. That marriage ended in 2018, following his affair with Jennifer.
Jennifer and Pete’s romantic relationship began while they were both working at Fox News. Their affair eventually became public, especially after Jennifer became pregnant with Pete’s child in 2017.
Despite the controversy, they got married in August 2019 at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey. The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Donald Trump.
Net Worth
The financial story of her is also worth noting. Jennifer has had a solid career in television. As a producer at Fox News, she earned a significant income. While exact numbers vary, estimates put her net worth between $1 million and $2 million.
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth has a net worth of around $3 million, thanks to his work in television, the military, and book publishing. Together, the couple has a comfortable financial life, allowing them to support their large family and enjoy luxury living.
Here is a financial snapshot:
| Person | Estimated Net Worth | Income Source |
|---|---|---|
| Jennifer Rauchet | $1M – $2M | Fox News producer |
| Pete Hegseth | ~$3M | TV, Books, Military Pension |
| Combined | ~$4M – $5M | Media, Publishing, Speaking Events |
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Career and Work Life
Jennifer Rauchet began her career at WPIX-TV, a station in New York City. She worked there for a few years before moving to Fox News in 2006. At Fox, she became the executive producer of shows like Fox & Friends and Watters’ World.
As the Pete Hegseth wife, she worked closely with Pete at Fox, which led to both personal and professional connections. She has since left her full-time job at Fox News to focus more on family life and private ventures.
Her role at Fox gave her a strong presence in media circles. Despite not being in front of the camera, her influence behind the scenes was substantial.
| Year | Position | Organization | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | Producer | WPIX-TV | Began her media career at WPIX-TV in New York City. |
| 2006 | Executive Producer | Fox News | Joined Fox News, producing Fox & Friends, a flagship morning show. |
| 2017 | Executive Producer | Fox News | Transitioned to producing Watters’ World after her relationship with Pete Hegseth became public. |
| 2023 | Executive Producer | Fox Nation | Moved to Fox News’ streaming platform, Fox Nation, continuing her production work. |
| 2024 | Departed Fox News | — | Left Fox News to focus on raising her children. |
Public Life and Current Affairs
In recent years, Jennifer Rauchet’s name has come up in political discussions. While she does not hold an official government role, she is said to have influence over Pete Hegseth’s political decisions. Some reports say she took part in unofficial meetings at the Pentagon and received classified information.
This has led to public debate. Critics say this kind of access is inappropriate. Supporters argue that spouses often serve as unofficial advisors, and Jennifer is no different.
Regardless, she continues to play a visible role in Pete’s public life. She attends major events, supports his career moves, and even helps shape his media content.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Background | Former Fox News executive producer; met Pete Hegseth while both worked at Fox News. |
| Marriage to Hegseth | Married in August 2019 at Trump National Golf Club; the couple has a blended family of seven children. |
| Pentagon Involvement | Despite no official role, has attended high-level meetings and been included in Signal chats discussing sensitive military operations, leading to scrutiny over potential breaches of protocol. |
| Public Perception | Criticized for her unofficial influence in defense matters; reportedly nicknamed “Yoko Ono” by Pentagon staff due to her perceived interference in official affairs. |
| Controversies | Central figure in the “Signalgate” scandal involving unauthorized sharing of classified information via Signal app; her involvement has raised questions about ethics and security within the Department of Defense. |
Personality and Public Image
The image of her in the media is both praised and criticized. Some see her as a dedicated mother and smart producer. Others question her influence in politics.
She is active on social media and often shares family photos, giving the public a glimpse into their personal life. She rarely gives interviews but stays visible through Pete’s appearances and online presence.
Jennifer comes off as confident, assertive, and deeply involved in her family’s future. She supports Pete through his career ups and downs, showing that their relationship is a true partnership.
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Conclusion
In summary, Pete Hegseth wife, Jennifer Rauchet, is not just a background figure. She is a journalism graduate, a former executive producer at Fox News, and a mother of four. Her influence in Pete’s personal and professional life is clear, even as she tries to stay behind the scenes.
From her early days in TV to her high-profile marriage, Jennifer’s life is full of moments that shaped her into who she is today. Whether it’s managing a big family, handling media attention, or supporting her husband, she plays each role with strength and grace.
