Pete Hegseth’s wife is Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer and television executive. The couple married in August 2019 and have a daughter named Gwendolyn; together, they raise seven children in a blended family, including children from their previous relationships. In August 2026, Jennifer became chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission, giving her a formal public-facing role focused on issues affecting military families.

Introduction

Pete Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet, has become a subject of public interest because of her marriage to the U.S. Secretary of War and her growing involvement in military-family policy. A former Fox News producer, Jennifer married Hegseth in August 2019. In August 2026, she took on a new role as chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission, an initiative created by President Donald Trump to examine issues affecting military spouses and their families.

Jennifer’s public profile has changed considerably over the years. She previously worked behind the scenes in television, including as an executive producer at Fox News. Her relationship with Hegseth also attracted media attention because the two met while working at the network and began their relationship while both were married to other people.

Today, they are part of a blended family of seven children. Jennifer has three children from a previous relationship, Hegseth has three sons from his second marriage, and the couple share a daughter, Gwendolyn.

Here is what is publicly known about Jennifer Rauchet, her career, her marriage to Pete Hegseth, their family and her latest role in Washington.

What Happened? Jennifer Hegseth Takes on a White House Commission Role

One of the most significant recent developments involving Pete Hegseth’s wife came on August 3, 2026.

President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14417, establishing the President’s Military Spouse Commission. The order states that the spouse of the Secretary of War will serve as the commission’s chair. Because Pete Hegseth holds that position, Jennifer Hegseth became the chairwoman.

The commission was created to advise the president on policies affecting military spouses and families. Its work includes examining challenges involving:

• Employment opportunities for military spouses.
• Housing and frequent relocations.
• Healthcare access.
• Education and childcare.
• Support during military deployments.
• The general quality of life for military families.

The White House says the commission is intended to identify common problems faced by military families and develop practical policy recommendations.

Jennifer’s role is more than a ceremonial appearance. The White House identifies her as chairwoman, and official commission records show that she has participated in meetings and signed the minutes in that capacity.

The commission held its inaugural meeting on September 21, 2026, followed by a second meeting on October 19, 2026. The published records identify Jennifer Hegseth as chairwoman. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search0″,”turn271404search1″,”turn271404search33″,”turn271404search35”]}/>

Key Details About Pete Hegseth’s Wife

Here are the main publicly documented details about Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth:

• Name: Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth.
• Known professionally as: Jennifer Rauchet.
• Husband: Pete Hegseth, U.S. Secretary of War.
• Wedding: August 2019.
• Previous career: Television producer and executive at Fox News.
• Current public role: Chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission.
• Children with Pete Hegseth: One daughter, Gwendolyn.
• Blended family: Seven children in total.
• Education: Journalism studies at Towson University, according to reporting by The New York Times.
• Professional background: Television production, executive work and military-family advocacy.

The White House describes Jennifer as an Emmy Award-winning television producer and executive who spent nearly three decades in the television industry. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search1″,”turn271404search6″,”turn762949search0”]}/>

Who Is Jennifer Rauchet?

Jennifer Rauchet is an American television producer and former Fox News executive who became widely known through her relationship and marriage to Pete Hegseth.

Before entering the political spotlight, she built a career in television production. Her work was largely behind the scenes, rather than as an on-camera presenter.

According to The New York Times, Jennifer studied journalism at Towson University and began her television career as a producer at WPIX in New York in 2001. She joined Fox News in 2006 and spent approximately 18 years at the network.

Her work included producing Fox & Friends, one of Fox News’ major morning programmes. She also held an executive producer role on Watters’ World and worked on other network productions.

The White House’s current biography highlights her work developing and managing television productions, including the annual Patriot Awards.

Her professional background is important to understanding her public profile. She was already an experienced media executive before Hegseth became Secretary of War, although her role in Washington has brought her considerably more attention. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search1″,”turn271404search6”]}/>

How Did Pete Hegseth Meet Jennifer Rauchet?

Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet met while working at Fox News.

Hegseth became a regular Fox News contributor and later co-hosted Fox & Friends Weekend. Jennifer worked behind the scenes as a producer and executive.

Their relationship attracted public attention because both were married to other people when it began.

At the time, Hegseth was married to his second wife, Samantha Deering, with whom he had three sons. Jennifer was also married to her previous husband and had children from that relationship.

The couple’s relationship became public after Jennifer gave birth to their daughter, Gwendolyn, in August 2017. Hegseth’s second wife filed for divorce the following month, according to published reporting.

These events were widely covered by media outlets, but the details of their previous relationships should be distinguished from the confirmed facts of their later marriage.

The couple eventually married in 2019 after their previous marriages had ended. <Cite refs={[“turn762949news27″,”turn762949search11″,”turn762949search5”]}/>

When Did Pete Hegseth Marry Jennifer Rauchet?

Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet married in August 2019.

Their wedding took place at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey. The event attracted attention because of Hegseth’s political connections and the presence of prominent guests.

President Donald Trump and Fox News personality Sean Hannity were among those reported to have attended.

The wedding came approximately two years after the birth of their daughter, Gwendolyn, in August 2017.

Their marriage made Jennifer Hegseth’s third wife. Before marrying Jennifer, Hegseth had been married to Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering.

The couple have continued to appear together at public events, political gatherings and official functions. <Cite refs={[“turn762949search13″,”turn762949search0″,”turn762949news27”]}/>

How Many Children Do Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Have?

Pete Hegseth and Jennifer are raising seven children in a blended family.

They have one daughter together, Gwendolyn. Jennifer has three children from a previous relationship, while Hegseth has three sons from his marriage to Samantha Deering.

The children are identified in CNN’s biographical profile as:

Jennifer’s children from her previous relationship:

• Kenzie
• Jackson
• Luke

Pete Hegseth’s sons from his previous marriage:

• Gunner
• Peter Boone
• Rex

Their daughter together:

• Gwendolyn

This makes seven children in the household.

The distinction matters because not all seven children are biological children of both Jennifer and Pete. They are part of the same blended family, with Gwendolyn being their daughter together.

The family generally keeps the children’s private lives away from extensive media coverage. <Cite refs={[“turn762949search0″,”turn762949news27″,”turn762949search11”]}/>

Jennifer Rauchet’s Career at Fox News

Jennifer’s television career is a major part of her professional background.

She joined Fox News in 2006 and worked on Fox & Friends, where she held production and executive responsibilities.

Her work involved developing programme content, managing production and helping deliver television broadcasts. She also worked on Watters’ World and other Fox News productions.

The New York Times reported that colleagues described her as organised, driven and experienced in the demanding production environment of a live morning programme.

The White House biography also credits her with developing and running major productions, including the network’s Patriot Awards.

Her career at Fox News lasted approximately 18 years. She left the network before Hegseth’s move into the federal government in late 2024.

Her experience in television production helps explain why she was familiar with political media and public communication before becoming more directly involved in Washington. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search1″,”turn271404search6”]}/>

What Is the President’s Military Spouse Commission?

The President’s Military Spouse Commission is a federal advisory initiative established by Executive Order 14417 on August 3, 2026.

Its stated purpose is to identify challenges faced by military spouses and recommend ways to improve the quality of life for military families.

The White House says military spouses can face particular difficulties because of frequent relocations, long deployments and the demands of military service.

These circumstances can affect employment, housing, education, healthcare and childcare.

The commission is expected to engage with military spouses, identify recurring concerns and provide policy recommendations to the president.

The executive order says the commission will submit annual reports while it operates and a final report before its termination. It also establishes a two-year term unless the president extends it.

Members serve without compensation, although eligible travel expenses may be reimbursed.

Jennifer chairs the commission because the executive order assigns that role to the spouse of the Secretary of War. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search0″,”turn271404search2”]}/>

What Has Jennifer Hegseth Done as Commission Chairwoman?

The White House’s official commission page lists Jennifer Hegseth as chairwoman.

The commission’s first meeting took place on September 21, 2026. Its second meeting followed on October 19.

The published meeting records show that the commission has begun examining practical issues affecting military families.

Topics discussed in the second meeting included healthcare access for parents of teenagers and toll-relief support for military families commuting to a military installation in Florida.

The minutes also record Jennifer’s participation in the discussion of a possible toll-relief pilot programme.

These developments provide a clearer picture of her responsibilities than simply describing her as the wife of a senior government official. She is chairing a commission that has been tasked with advising the president on military-spouse and family policy.

The effectiveness of the commission will depend on the recommendations it produces and whether the administration adopts practical changes. <Cite refs={[“turn271404search1″,”turn271404search33″,”turn271404search35”]}/>

Why Has Jennifer Rauchet’s Role in Washington Attracted Attention?

Jennifer’s public role has attracted attention for several reasons.

First, she has moved from a long career in television production into a position connected to military-family policy.

Second, she is married to one of the most senior figures in the U.S. government. Her attendance at official events and meetings has therefore drawn media coverage.

Third, her involvement in the Pentagon environment has prompted questions about the boundaries between a cabinet secretary’s private family life and official government responsibilities.

In 2025, reporting about a Signal group chat concerning U.S. military operations in Yemen drew scrutiny after Jennifer was included in a discussion involving senior officials and a journalist. The episode raised questions about the handling of sensitive government communications and who should have access to them.

It is important to distinguish the reported circumstances from any unsupported claim that Jennifer herself made operational decisions or directed military activity. Her inclusion in the chat was a subject of public reporting and criticism; it did not, by itself, establish that she held an official military or intelligence position at the time.

Her later appointment as chairwoman of the Military Spouse Commission is different: it is a formal role created by executive order. <Cite refs={[“turn762949search5″,”turn762949search11″,”turn271404search0”]}/>

Pete Hegseth’s Previous Marriages

Jennifer Rauchet is Pete Hegseth’s third wife.

Before marrying Jennifer, Hegseth had two previous marriages.

First marriage: Meredith Schwarz

Hegseth married Meredith Schwarz in 2004. The marriage ended in divorce in 2009, according to CNN’s biographical timeline.

Second marriage: Samantha Deering

Hegseth married Samantha Deering in 2010. They had three sons together: Gunner, Peter Boone and Rex.

Their marriage ended in divorce after their relationship broke down in 2017.

Third marriage: Jennifer Rauchet

Hegseth married Jennifer in August 2019. They share one daughter, Gwendolyn, and raise their children from previous relationships as a blended family.

These details are included in CNN’s published biographical profile of Hegseth. <Cite refs={[“turn762949search0″,”turn762949search3”]}/>

What Has Pete Hegseth Said About His Wife?

Hegseth and Jennifer have publicly appeared together at political and official events, and Jennifer has expressed support for her husband on social media.

After Hegseth’s swearing-in as Secretary of Defense in January 2025, Jennifer posted a message expressing gratitude to people who had supported their family and pride in her husband.

Her public statements have generally focused on family, faith and support for Hegseth’s political work.

The couple’s public appearances have become more frequent since he entered government. Jennifer has also attended events related to the military and the White House, including the August 2026 announcement of the Military Spouse Commission.

The White House now presents her in an official capacity as chairwoman of that commission. <Cite refs={[“turn762949search4″,”turn271404search3″,”turn271404search1”]}/>

Why Pete Hegseth’s Wife Is a Subject of Public Interest

Interest in Jennifer Rauchet is connected to more than her marriage.

Her career at Fox News, her relationship with Hegseth and her new government-related role have made her a public figure in her own right.

Her appointment also raises a broader question about the role of military spouses in government policy.

Military families face practical challenges that can affect service members’ ability to remain in the armed forces. Frequent relocations, deployments and difficulties maintaining a career can place significant pressure on spouses.

The commission’s stated purpose is to bring those concerns into policy discussions.

Jennifer’s television background may also influence how the commission communicates its work to the public. However, the success of the initiative should ultimately be judged by its recommendations and their impact, rather than by her media experience or family connections.

What Happens Next for Jennifer Hegseth?

The President’s Military Spouse Commission is expected to continue its work through meetings, consultations and policy recommendations.

Its second meeting took place on October 19, 2026. The commission’s official website provides meeting materials and information about its mission.

The executive order establishes a two-year term unless extended by the president. It also requires annual reports and a final report before the commission ends.

Jennifer’s chairmanship is tied to Pete Hegseth’s position as Secretary of War under the terms of the executive order.

Beyond the commission, Jennifer and Pete continue to maintain a public presence at government and political events. No separate announcement about a change in their marriage or family status was identified in the official sources reviewed for this article.

Conclusion

Pete Hegseth’s wife is Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, a former Fox News executive producer whom he married in August 2019. Their relationship began while they were colleagues at the network, and they have one daughter together, Gwendolyn.

They raise a blended family of seven children, including three children from Jennifer’s previous relationship and three sons from Hegseth’s marriage to Samantha Deering.

Jennifer’s public profile has grown beyond her television career. In August 2026, she became chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission, an initiative designed to advise the administration on issues affecting military families.

Her career, marriage and new commission role explain why she has attracted growing public attention. The most important current development is her work leading the commission, whose recommendations may influence future discussions about employment, housing, healthcare and other challenges facing military spouses.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pete Hegseth’s Wife

1. Who is Pete Hegseth’s wife?

Pete Hegseth’s wife is Jennifer Rauchet Hegseth, a former Fox News producer and television executive. They married in August 2019.

2. What does Jennifer Rauchet do?

Jennifer previously worked as a television producer and executive at Fox News. As of 2026, she is chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission.

3. When did Pete Hegseth marry Jennifer Rauchet?

Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet married in August 2019 at Trump National Golf Club in Colts Neck, New Jersey.

4. How many children do Pete Hegseth and Jennifer have?

They have one daughter together, Gwendolyn. They raise seven children in total: three children from Jennifer’s previous relationship, three sons from Hegseth’s second marriage and their daughter together.

5. How did Pete Hegseth meet Jennifer Rauchet?

They met while working at Fox News. Hegseth was a television contributor and later a co-host of Fox & Friends Weekend, while Jennifer worked as a producer and executive.

6. Is Jennifer Rauchet Pete Hegseth’s first wife?

No. Jennifer is Hegseth’s third wife. He was previously married to Meredith Schwarz and Samantha Deering.

7. What is Jennifer Hegseth’s current White House role?

Jennifer Hegseth is chairwoman of the President’s Military Spouse Commission, established by Executive Order 14417 on August 3, 2026.

8. What does the Military Spouse Commission do?

The commission advises the president on issues affecting military spouses and families, including employment, housing, healthcare, education, childcare and deployment-related support.

9. Did Jennifer Rauchet work at Fox News?

Yes. She joined Fox News in 2006 and worked as a producer and executive, including on Fox & Friends. She spent approximately 18 years at the network.

10. How old is Jennifer Rauchet?

Reliable sources reviewed for this article do not consistently establish her date of birth. The article therefore does not assign her an age.