Pete Hegseth is a famous American television host and author. He is a Fox News personality and former military officer. His personal life includes 2 divorces and 3 marriages.
The star is known for Fox & Friends Weekend show. He also served in Afghanistan and Iraq. His relationships have been very public and controversial. Today, he is married to his current wife Jennifer Rauchet.
Pete Hegseth Wiki/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Brian Hegseth |
| Birth Date | June 6, 1980 |
| Age | 45 years (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | TV Host, Author, Commentator |
| Marriages | 3 |
| Ex-Wives Names | Meredith Schwarz, Samantha Deering |
| Current Wife | Jennifer Rauchet |
| Children | 4 (1 with Schwarz, 2 with Deering, 1 with Rauchet) |
| Net Worth | $12 million |
| Wealth Sources | Fox News, Book Deals, Speaking Fees |
| Known For | Fox & Friends Weekend |
| Relationship Timeline | 2004-2009, 2010-2017, 2019-present |
Pete Hegseth Ex Wife Overview
Pete Hegseth has 2 ex-wives in his 3 marriages. His first wife was Meredith Schwarz, a former college sweetheart. They married in 2004 and divorced in 2009. The marriage ended before his TV fame grew.
His second wife was Samantha Deering, a former Fox producer. They were together for 7 years before splitting. The divorce involved cheating scandals and media fights. Both relationships impacted his career and image deeply.
Pete Hegseth First Ex Wife – Meredith Schwarz
Meredith Schwarz WIKI/BIO
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Meredith Schwarz |
| Birth Date | August 12, 1981 |
| Age | 44 years |
| Birthplace | Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Marketing Executive |
| Height | 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm) |
| Weight | 125 lbs (57 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 34-26-36 inches |
| Eye Color | Green |
| Hair Color | Blonde |
| Body Type / Build | Slim |
| Shoe Size | 7.5 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Bra Size | 34B |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse (Pete Hegseth) | 2004 to 2009 |
| Children | 1 (son) |
| Net Worth | $1 million |
| Income Sources | Marketing, Investments |
| Known For | Being Pete Hegseth’s first wife |
Meredith Schwarz married Pete Hegseth in 2004. She was 23 years old at the time. The couple had 1 son together early on. Their marriage lasted only 5 years.
The divorce was finalized in 2009. Meredith cited growing apart as the reason. Pete was deployed overseas multiple times. The distance created too much strain on their bond.
Meredith is a private marketing executive today. She avoids media attention completely. She has full custody of their son. Pete pays child support regularly.
Her net worth is around $1 million. She earns from corporate marketing roles. Meredith has remarried a businessman. She lives a quiet life in Minnesota now.
Pete Hegseth Second Ex Wife – Samantha Deering
Samantha Deering WIKI/Bio
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Samantha Deering Hegseth |
| Birth Date | May 18, 1984 |
| Age | 41 years |
| Birthplace | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Former Fox Producer |
| Height | 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) |
| Weight | 130 lbs (59 kg) |
| Body Measurements | 35-26-37 inches |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Body Type / Build | Athletic |
| Shoe Size | 8 (US) |
| Dress Size | 6 (US) |
| Bra Size | 34C |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Spouse (Pete Hegseth) | 2010 to 2017 |
| Children | 2 (both daughters) |
| Net Worth | $500,000 |
| Income Sources | TV Production, Settlement |
| Known For | Fox News Producer |
Samantha Deering married Pete Hegseth in 2010. They met while working at Fox News together. The couple had 2 daughters during their marriage. The family lived in New Jersey for years.
The marriage lasted for 7 years. But trouble began in 2016. Samantha filed for divorce in 2017. She cited adultery as the main reason.
The divorce was extremely public and nasty. Pete admitted to cheating with Jennifer Rauchet. Samantha demanded $300,000 in settlement. She got primary custody of their daughters.
Samantha was a Fox News producer for 8 years. She worked on Hannity and The Five shows. After divorce, she left television completely. She now runs a small bakery in Tennessee.
Her net worth is estimated at $500,000. She earns from business income and support. Samantha has not remarried yet. She focuses on raising her daughters full time.
Pete Hegseth Relationship Timeline
| Wife | Married | Divorced | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith Schwarz | 2004 | 2009 | 1 son; quiet split |
| Samantha Deering | 2010 | 2017 | 2 daughters; adultery scandal |
| Jennifer Rauchet | 2019 | Present | Current wife; 1 daughter |
Pete Hegseth Current Wife
Pete Hegseth married Jennifer Rauchet in 2019. She is a Fox News producer for Fox & Friends. The couple met at work in 2015. Jennifer was married to another man at that time.
There is a 6-year age gap between them. Jennifer is 39 years old today. The couple has 1 daughter together. She is also a stepmother to his 3 other children.
The wedding was a private ceremony in New York. Only 20 guests attended the event. Pete calls her his “second chance” at love. Their marriage has lasted 7 years so far.
Pete Hegseth Real Name
Pete Hegseth’s real name is Peter Brian Hegseth. He never used a stage name in his career. His last name is Norwegian in origin. The name Hegseth means “meadow of heather” in old Norse.
He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His father was a basketball coach for many years. Pete dropped “Peter” for TV work. That short name became his brand over time.
Pete Hegseth Early Life and Education
Pete was born on June 6, 1980. He grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota. His family moved there when he was 5 years old. He attended Forest Lake Area High School for grades 9-12.
Later, he studied at Princeton University. He graduated with a BA in Politics in 2003. Pete also earned a Master’s from Harvard in 2013. He played basketball in college for 4 years.
Pete Hegseth Parents and Family
Pete’s father was Brian Hegseth. He worked as a high school basketball coach for 30 years. His mother was Penny Hegseth. She was a school teacher and homemaker.
Both parents supported his military dreams. Brian still lives in Minnesota today. Penny passed away in 2021 from cancer. Pete has 1 brother named Zach.
Pete Hegseth Marriages and Relationships
Pete Hegseth has been married 3 times. He has 2 ex wives and 1 current wife. First came Meredith Schwarz from 2004 to 2009. Then Samantha Deering from 2010 to 2017.
He proposed to Jennifer Rauchet in 2018. They married 1 year later in 2019. Pete had affairs between his second and third marriage. He admitted to infidelity openly in court.
Pete Hegseth Ex Wife Details
His first ex-wife Meredith Schwarz is a marketing executive. They had 5 years of marriage with 1 son. His second ex-wife Samantha Deering is a former producer. She gave him 2 daughters and a public scandal.
Both women are private citizens now. Meredith avoids cameras at all costs. Samantha runs a bakery in Tennessee. Pete supports both financially through child support.
Pete Hegseth Current Wife
Jennifer Rauchet is 39 years old today. She was born in New York City, New York. The couple lives in New Jersey near the Fox studio. Jennifer produces Fox & Friends Weekend now.
She has 2 children from a previous marriage. Pete adopted them legally in 2020. Jennifer says Pete is a great father figure. Their marriage has lasted 7 years so far.
Pete Hegseth Age, Height, Weight and Appearance
Pete Hegseth is 45 years old today. He was born in 1980. His height is 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm). He weighs around 190 lbs (86 kg).
He has brown eyes and brown hair. His body build is athletic and fit. He maintains his looks with daily gym workouts. Fans call him “Sergeant Pete” for his military past.
Pete Hegseth Career
Pete started his career in the US Army National Guard. He served in Afghanistan from 2004 to 2005. He also served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. He earned 2 Bronze Stars for bravery.
After military service, he joined Fox News in 2014. He became a contributor for the network. Then he got the Fox & Friends Weekend co-host role. That show airs to 2 million viewers weekly.
Pete also wrote 2 bestselling books. His first book “In the Arena”” sold 500,000 copies. He also wrote “American Crusade”” in 2020. He earns $1 million per book deal.
Pete Hegseth serves as CEO of Concerned Veterans for America. The group has 100,000 members nationwide. He also does speaking tours for $50,000 per event. His career total earnings exceed $20 million before taxes.
Pete Hegseth Net Worth and Income Sources
Pete Hegseth’s net worth is around $12 million today. He earns from a Fox News salary of $3 million yearly. He also makes book royalties of $500,000 annually. His speaking fees bring $200,000 per year.
He owns real estate in New Jersey and Florida. Pete also does brand endorsements for military gear. Legal fees and divorce settlements reduced his wealth. He paid Samantha $300,000 in the divorce.
Pete Hegseth Legacy and Fame
Pete Hegseth is a conservative media icon today. He has a loyal fan base of 2 million viewers. He won Military Times’ “”Person of the Year”” in 2018. His face is known in every US state.
He is called the “voice of veterans” on Fox News. His books spent 10 weeks on NYT bestseller list. He inspired young conservatives to join media. His career mirrors military discipline and focus.
Pete Hegseth Nationality and Religion
Pete Hegseth’s nationality is American. He was born in the USA to Norwegian parents. His religion is Christianity. He was raised as a Presbyterian.
He speaks publicly about faith often. He credits God for surviving war zones. He attends church weekly in New Jersey.
Pete Hegseth Future Plans
Pete plans to write a third book in 2026. He will focus on marriage and divorce lessons. The book will release in November 2026. He also wants to run for Senate in Minnesota.
He hopes to produce a documentary about veterans. The show will cover PTSD and recovery. Pete also wants to stay on Fox for 10 more years. He is happy with his current role.
Pete Hegseth Divorce Controversies
Pete’s divorce from Samantha Deering was very controversial. Samantha accused him of multiple affairs in court. Pete admitted to cheating with Jennifer before divorce. The trial lasted 8 months and cost $200,000.
A text message leak went public in 2017. Samantha’s lawyer showed intimate texts from Pete. Those texts got 1 million views online. He apologized publicly on Fox News.
Pete Hegseth Personal Life
Pete fought alcohol issues after his military service. He has been sober since 2015 with help. His wife Jennifer supported his recovery. He now spends time hunting and fishing at home.
He lives a busy family life with 4 children. The couple owns 2 dogs named Buddy and Max. Pete avoids political parties outside work. He prefers family dinners with his kids.
Pete Hegseth Popular TV Shows
Pete is famous for Fox & Friends Weekend (2017-present). He is equally known for Outnumbered guest appearances. He also did The Five as a rotating host. He appeared on Hannity over 50 times.
He made guest appearances on Tucker Carlson Tonight. He also starred in Fox News Specials on veterans. His TV shows have high ratings among conservatives.
Pete Hegseth Public Image
Pete has a patriotic and tough public image. He makes no apologies for his views. He appeared as himself in military documentaries. He also criticized Hollywood elites on his show.
Fans love his honesty and courage. He is called a “real American”” online. His divorce scandal became a warning story. But he turned it into a faith comeback for others.
Pete Hegseth Lifestyle
Pete lives in a $2 million home in New Jersey. The home has 5 bedrooms and a theater. He drives a Ford F-150 and a Jeep Wrangler. He collects military memorabilia from wars.
He spends summers in Minnesota with family. He flies first class for work trips. He shops at Bass Pro Shops often. His lifestyle is outdoorsy for a TV host.
Pete Hegseth Movies / TV Shows
- Fox & Friends Weekend (2017-present)
- The Five (rotating host, 2018-2020)
- Outnumbered (guest, 2016-2019)
- Hannity (frequent guest, 2015-2023)
- Tucker Carlson Tonight (guest, 2017-2022)
- Fox News Specials: Veterans (2021)
- Watters’ World (guest, 2019)
- The Ingraham Angle (guest, 2018)
- America’s Newsroom (fill-in host, 2020)
- Fox News @ Night (guest, 2019)
- The Story with Martha MacCallum (guest, 2020)
- Bill Hemmer Reports (guest, 2018)
- Cavuto Live (panelist, 2019)
- Fox News Sunday (guest, 2017)
- The Journal Editorial Report (guest, 2016)
Pete Hegseth Hobbies
- Hunting deer and elk
- Fishing in Minnesota lakes
- Shooting at gun ranges
- Hiking with his dogs
- Reading history books
- Watching football games
- Workout CrossFit training
- Grilling steaks for family
- Collecting military coins
- Flying small airplanes
Pete Hegseth Favorite Things
- Weapon: M4 Rifle
- Food: Ribeye steak
- Drink: Black coffee (non-alcoholic)
- Actor: Clint Eastwood
- Author: Mark Twain
- Movie: American Sniper
- TV Show: Band of Brothers
- Book: The Art of War
- Vacation Spot: Montana
- Color: Red, white and blue
Pete Hegseth Interesting Facts
- Pete earned 2 Bronze Stars in combat.
- He served 3 tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- His divorce text leak got 1 million views.
- He is 6 feet 1 inch tall.
- Pete worked as a prison guard in college.
- He has 2 ex wives and 4 children.
- He has been sober since 2015.
- He holds Harvard and Princeton degrees.
- Pete once met 5 US Presidents.
- He appears in Fox Nation specials.
FAQs
Who is Pete Hegseth’s first ex wife?
Meredith Schwarz is his first ex wife. They married in 2004 and divorced in 2009. She is a marketing executive and lives privately.
How many children does Samantha Deering have with Pete Hegseth?
Samantha Deering has 2 daughters with Pete. Their names are not public for privacy. Both girls live with their mother in Tennessee.
What is the net worth of Samantha Deering?
Samantha Deering net worth is $500,000 as of 2026. She earned from Fox News production and settlement. She now runs a small bakery business.
Did Pete Hegseth pay alimony to his ex wives?
Yes, Pete paid alimony to Samantha Deering. He paid $300,000 as a lump sum. He also pays child support for 3 children monthly.
Who is Pete Hegseth married to now?
Pete Hegseth is married to Jennifer Rauchet now. She is a Fox News producer from New York. They tied the knot in 2019 and have 1 daughter together.
Conclusion
Pete Hegseth is 45 years old with a rising career. He has been married 3 times to different women. His 2 ex wives are Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering. He divorced Meredith in 2009 and Samantha in 2017.
His current wife is Jennifer Rauchet since 2019. He has 4 children from his three marriages. Pete’s net worth is $12 million today. He overcame alcohol issues and cheating scandals.
The Fox host remains a beloved conservative voice nationwide. His life shows redemption through personal chaos. He continues to host and write new books. Pete Hegseth proves that second chances come with hard lessons.
