Pete Hegseth, a decorated army veteran and television personality, is currently under scrutiny due to resurfaced allegations of sexual assault from 2017. At 44 years old, Hegseth maintains a net worth of $3 million, built through his military service, media career, and political commentary. Married to Jennifer Rauchet since 2019, the couple is raising a blended family of seven children, navigating both personal and professional challenges.
Sexual Assault Allegations
In 2017, a woman referred to as “Jane Doe” accused Hegseth of sexual assault after a convention in Monterey, California. The allegations included graphic details, leading to a settlement in 2020. Hegseth’s legal team admitted to paying the claimant an undisclosed amount as part of a nondisclosure agreement, citing fears that the case could jeopardize his position at Fox News. The resurfacing of these allegations has placed Hegseth under intense scrutiny, particularly as his career in conservative media and his rumored political ambitions grow.
Key Takeaways
- Age and Net Worth: At 44, Pete Hegseth has a net worth of $3 million, bolstered by his military service and media career.
- Marriage and Family: Married to Jennifer Rauchet since 2019, the couple raises a blended family of seven children.
- Controversial Allegations: Hegseth faces ongoing scrutiny due to resurfaced sexual assault allegations from 2017.
- Political Alignment: The couple’s public support for MAGA and ties to Donald Trump reflect their strong political beliefs.
- Public Image: While his career in conservative media thrives, personal scandals and allegations continue to impact Hegseth’s public reputation.
Relationship with Jennifer Rauchet
Pete Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet, a television producer, first crossed paths while working at Fox News. Rauchet, an alum of Towson University with a degree in journalism, was producing Fox & Friends Weekend while Hegseth served as a co-host. Their working relationship became controversial in 2017 when it was revealed they were having an affair, despite both being married at the time.
After Rauchet discovered she was pregnant, the couple informed Fox management, leading to her reassignment to a different show. Despite the scandal, their relationship endured, and they welcomed their daughter Gwen in 2017.
MAGA Wedding
Hegseth and Rauchet married in August 2019 at the Trump National Golf Club Colts Neck in New Jersey, the same month their daughter turned two. The event featured MAGA-inspired “Make Weddings Great Again” hats during the rehearsal dinner, reflecting their political alignment with former President Donald Trump.
Blending their families, the couple now raises seven children, with Hegseth bringing three children from his previous marriage to Samantha Deering and Rauchet contributing three children from her prior relationship. Hegseth often expresses his admiration for Rauchet on social media, describing her as “my favorite person on planet Earth.”
Blended Family
The couple’s blended family is a central focus of their lives. Rauchet’s Instagram often showcases their children’s activities, family outings, and milestones. On her wedding day, she described their union as “feeling perfectly and happily blended (officially)!” Hegseth’s social media similarly highlights his pride in their family dynamic.
Tucker Carlson Scandal
In April 2023, Fox News parted ways with anchor Tucker Carlson following a high-profile defamation suit settlement with Dominion Voting Systems. Reports later surfaced alleging that Jennifer Rauchet had played a role in Carlson’s exit, purportedly to secure Hegseth a prime-time spot.
Hegseth vehemently denied these claims, posting on X (formerly Twitter): “The fakest news I’ve ever seen. My amazing wife @JennyHegseth had absolutely nothing to do with anything. Not one iota. Like everybody else, we love Tucker.” Despite his denial, the incident added to the couple’s controversial public image.
Career Highlights
Before his media career, Hegseth served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay, earning accolades for his military service. Transitioning to television, he became a prominent conservative commentator on Fox News, co-hosting Fox & Friends Weekend and contributing to other programs.
Hegseth is known for his outspoken views on politics, education, and national security. While these have earned him a loyal following, they have also drawn criticism for their divisiveness. Despite the controversies surrounding him, Hegseth’s career remains influential in conservative circles.
Personal Challenges
The resurfacing of the 2017 sexual assault allegations has reignited public scrutiny of Hegseth’s personal and professional life. Coupled with the affair scandal that led to his marriage to Rauchet, Hegseth’s reputation continues to face challenges. However, his public displays of devotion to his wife and family indicate a desire to move past these controversies.
Pete Hegseth’s life and career exemplify the complexities of balancing personal challenges with professional ambitions. As he navigates controversy, his dedication to his family and his role in media remain central to his story.