Pete Hegseth Biography – Discover details the life of the U.S. Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth—his age, family life, education, controversial Signal use, and rise to a $17 million net worth as a key Trump ally.
Pete Hegseth’s biography traces the journey of a man who transitioned from a decorated military officer to a prominent television personality and, as of January 2025, the 29th U.S. Secretary of Defense. Born on June 6, 1980, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, Hegseth has built a multifaceted career rooted in education from elite institutions, service in the Army National Guard, and a high-profile stint at Fox News. Now 44, he navigates a complex personal life with three marriages and seven children, alongside a net worth estimated at $17 million.
Introduction to Pete Hegseth’s Life
Pete Hegseth’s rise to prominence began with a strong academic foundation and military service that earned him accolades, including two Bronze Stars. After leading veterans’ advocacy groups and co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend, he became a trusted advisor to President Donald Trump, culminating in his 2025 appointment as Secretary of Defense. His life, marked by personal controversies and a staunch conservative stance, reflects a blend of ambition and resilience. From his education at Princeton and Harvard to his recent Signal messaging scrutiny, this biography uncovers the layers of a polarizing figure.
This article explores Pete Hegseth biography; his age, spouse, children, education, controversial use of Signal, financial standing, and key facts shaping his public persona.
Pete Hegseth Biography Highlights
| Field | Summary of Pete Hegseth Biography |
|---|---|
| Age | Born June 6, 1980; 44 years old as of March 2025. |
| Spouse | Married Jennifer Rauchet (2019–present); previously Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering. |
| Children | Four biological children; stepfather to three from Rauchet’s prior marriage—total of seven. |
| Education | BA from Princeton (2003); Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard (2013). |
| Signal | Used Signal for unclassified Yemen attack info in 2025, raising security concerns. |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $17 million, from Fox News, books, and speeches. |
| Career | Army National Guard Major, Fox News co-host, veterans’ advocate, now U.S. Secretary of Defense. |
Early Life and Age
Born Peter Brian Hegseth on June 6, 1980, in Forest Lake, Minnesota, he is currently 44 years old as of March 26, 2025. Raised by parents Penelope and Brian Hegseth, alongside two younger brothers, Pete excelled in basketball at Forest Lake Area High School, leading his team to a state tournament. His early years in a small-town setting shaped his conservative values and interest in public service, setting the stage for his later achievements.
Education: Princeton and Harvard
Undergraduate Years at Princeton
Hegseth graduated from Princeton University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics. There, he honed his conservative voice as publisher of The Princeton Tory, a student-run publication, and played varsity basketball. His time at Princeton also included Army ROTC training, laying the groundwork for his military career.
Graduate Studies at Harvard
In 2013, he earned a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. This advanced degree sharpened his policy expertise, complementing his military and media roles, and prepared him for leadership in veterans’ advocacy and government.
Military Career and Rise
Army National Guard Service
Commissioned in 2003, Hegseth served as an infantry officer in the Minnesota Army National Guard, with deployments to Guantanamo Bay, Iraq (2005–2006), and Afghanistan (2012). Rising to Major, he earned two Bronze Stars and a Combat Infantryman’s Badge for his Iraq service, reflecting his commitment to national defense.
Veterans’ Advocacy
Post-military, he led Vets for Freedom (2007–2012) and Concerned Veterans for America (until 2015), amplifying veterans’ voices in policy debates. These roles bridged his transition to media and politics, aligning him with conservative circles.
Spouse and Family Life
Marriages
Hegseth’s personal life includes three marriages. He wed high school sweetheart Meredith Schwarz in 2004, divorcing in 2009 after admitting to affairs. In 2010, he married Samantha Deering, with whom he had three sons; they divorced in 2017 amid his affair with Jennifer Rauchet. Since 2019, he’s been married to Rauchet, a Fox News producer.
Current Spouse: Jennifer Rauchet
Jennifer Rauchet, married to Pete since August 16, 2019, at Trump National Golf Club in New Jersey, brought three children from a prior marriage. Their relationship began controversially in 2017, when she bore Pete’s daughter Gwen while both were still married to others.
Children: A Blended Family
Hegseth has four biological children: Gunner (b. 2010), Boone (b. 2012), and Rex (b. 2016) with Samantha Deering, and Gwen (b. 2017) with Jennifer Rauchet. He’s also stepfather to Rauchet’s three children—Luke, Kenzie, and another unnamed—forming a blended family of seven, now based in Tennessee.
Signal Controversy
In March 2025, Hegseth faced scrutiny after Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic reported his inclusion in a Signal group chat where he shared unclassified details of Yemen attacks hours before they occurred. Signal, not an authorized platform for such discussions, raised security concerns, though no classified breach was confirmed.
Career in Media and Politics
Fox News Tenure
Joining Fox News in 2014, Hegseth co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend from 2017 to 2024, leaving after his Defense Secretary nomination. His shows, like The Miseducation of America, pushed conservative narratives, boosting his public profile.
Secretary of Defense
Nominated by Trump in November 2024 and confirmed in January 2025 via a 51-50 Senate vote (with VP JD Vance breaking the tie), Hegseth now leads the Pentagon. His priorities include reviving a “warrior ethos” and border security, despite initial experience critiques.
Net Worth: Financial Snapshot
As of 2025, Pete Hegseth’s net worth is estimated at $17 million, per sources like CAknowledge. His wealth stems from a $5 million Fox News salary, book royalties (e.g., The War on Warriors), and speaking fees. He owns a $3.2 million Tennessee estate, though past divorces have dented his finances.
Verified Facts and Records
Hegseth’s Wikipedia and Britannica entries confirm his military honors, five published books, and controversial tattoos like “Deus Vult.” A 2017 sexual assault allegation, settled privately in 2020, and his 2012 Senate run loss are also documented, painting a complex portrait.
Pete Hegseth Biography Comparison Table
| Field | Historical Details (Provided) | Latest Verified Information (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Born June 6, 1980; 44 in 2025. | Confirmed; turned 44 in June 2024. |
| Spouse | Married Jennifer Rauchet in 2019. | Still married; third wife after Schwarz (2004-2009), Deering (2010-2017). |
| Children | Four biological; three stepchildren—total seven. | Verified: Gunner, Boone, Rex, Gwen; stepkids Luke, Kenzie, one more. |
| Education | Princeton BA (2003); Harvard MPP (2013). | Consistent with records; no updates. |
| Signal | Not previously noted. | Used in 2025 for Yemen attack info; under review. |
| Net Worth | Estimated $17 million. | Forbes adjusts to $3M personal; $17M with Rauchet’s assets. |
Conclusion: Pete Hegseth’s Multifaceted Legacy
Pete Hegseth’s biography reveals a man of contrasts—scholar, soldier, broadcaster, and now Pentagon chief. His journey from Minnesota to Washington, D.C., reflects determination, tempered by personal and professional controversies. At 44, with a robust family and significant wealth, Hegseth’s influence continues to grow, shaping national defense and conservative discourse.
FAQs About Pete Hegseth Biography
How old is Pete Hegseth?
Pete Hegseth was born on June 6, 1980, making him 44 years old as of March 2025.
Who is Pete Hegseth’s current spouse?
He’s married to Jennifer Rauchet since August 2019, his third wife after Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering.
How many children does Pete Hegseth have?
He has four biological children (Gunner, Boone, Rex, Gwen) and is stepfather to three, totaling seven.
What is Pete Hegseth’s educational background?
He holds a BA from Princeton University (2003) and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard (2013).
What’s Pete Hegseth’s net worth?
Estimates peg his net worth at $17 million, combining his and Jennifer Rauchet’s assets from media, books, and property.
