From behind-the-scenes at Fox News to standing proudly at the White House, Jennifer Rauchet has been a constant presence in Pete Hegseth’s life. Аnd now, at his side as he serves as U.S. Secretary of Defense.

Though headlines have occasionally followed them, their relationship has endured with love, loyalty, and a firm sense of shared values. Together, they’ve built not just a political partnership, but a blended family of seven and a home rooted in faith, patriotism, and resilience.

They first met while they were both married

Before finding lasting love with Jennifer Rauchet, Pete Hegseth had already experienced two failed marriages. His first wife was Meredith Schwarz, his high school sweetheart from Minnesota.


In 2010, he married Samantha Deering, whom he had met while they were both working with the military advocacy group Vets for Freedom. Their union, however, unraveled after a major turning point: in August 2017, Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet quietly welcomed a daughter together, despite both still being married to other people at the time.

Jennifer Rauchet, for her part, was also navigating the end of a marriage. At the time of her relationship with Hegseth, she was married and raising three children from previous relationships, according to Mediaite.

From Fox News Producer to Political Power Couple

Before she was known as the wife of the Secretary of Defense, Jennifer Rauchet was working behind the camera as a seasoned Fox News producer. She spent years producing Fox & Friends, the very show Pete Hegseth would eventually co-host beginning in 2017.

When their relationship became public, Rauchet moved to producing Watters’ World, and the two maintained a professional distance from on-air appearances. But their off-screen connection continued to grow.

They welcomed their first child together, Gwendolyn, in 2017. By August 2019, they were married in a high-profile ceremony at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey. President Donald Trump attended the wedding, along with fellow Fox stars like Sean Hannity and Ainsley Earhardt.

A Blended Family of Seven — and Always Front Row

Jennifer and Pete’s home life centers around their blended family of seven children, three from each of their previous relationships, and daughter Gwendolyn together.

Their kids have been a part of nearly every major milestone. That includes Hegseth’s swearing-in as Secretary of Defense in January 2025, where all seven stood proudly alongside him at the White House.

From holidays to baseball games, Rauchet frequently shares glimpses of their family life online. It’s often filled with smiles, team spirit, and unapologetic American pride.

Through Headlines and Heat, She’s Remained Steadfast

Rauchet has never held an official government title, but she’s often seen by Hegseth’s side, including at select meetings and overseas trips. And when criticism arises, she doesn’t flinch.

In late 2024, amid renewed scrutiny over old allegations against her husband, Rauchet didn’t retreat. Instead, she spoke publicly in his defense, posting:

“They won’t stop with Pete. It’s not him they’re after. It’s your values. We won’t back down.”

The message was loud and clear: whatever storm may come, she’s not leaving his side.