Who Is Samantha Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s Ex-Wife? Her Life After Divorce

Have you ever heard the name Samantha Hegseth and wondered who she really is?

She’s known to many people as Pete Hegseth’s ex-wife, but there’s much more to her story. She’s a mother, a former political spokesperson, and someone who has quietly stepped away from public life. Even though she was once married to a very well-known TV host and political figure, Samantha chose a private and peaceful life, far from cameras and media.

In this article, we’ll explore who Samantha Hegseth is, how she met Pete, why their marriage ended, and what her life looks like today in 2025. We’ll keep everything easy to follow and explain things clearly—just like talking to a friend.

Let’s begin!

Samantha Hegseth Quick Bio

Who Is Samantha Hegseth?

Samantha Hegseth (born Samantha Deering) is an American woman who once lived a life in the public eye. But today, she is known for keeping things quiet and private.

She became more widely known after marrying Pete Hegseth, a Fox News host and political figure who is now the U.S. Secretary of Defense. During their marriage, Samantha appeared in a few media photos and public events, but she never liked attention. Even now, she stays away from social media and avoids interviews.

While Pete stayed in the spotlight, Samantha chose the opposite path. She’s been focused on raising her children and building a peaceful life outside the news.

Early Life and Education

Samantha Hegseth was born on January 1, 1970, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Not much is known about her early childhood, and that’s because she has always preferred to keep things private.

There are some reports that suggest she studied political science and had a strong interest in politics and public affairs. However, the exact details of her education haven’t been shared publicly. What we do know is that she’s smart, professional, and confident in how she handles herself.

Even before her marriage to Pete, Samantha was already working in political spaces, and her strong communication skills helped her stand out.

Samantha Hegseth’s Career Before Marriage

Before she became Pete Hegseth’s wife, Samantha worked as a spokesperson for a group called Vets For Freedom. This group was started by American veterans who had served in Iraq and Afghanistan. They focused on supporting political causes and speaking up for military issues.

Samantha’s job included public speaking, organizing messages, and helping the group reach more people. She was active, involved, and known to be very professional.

It was during her time working with Vets For Freedom that she met Pete Hegseth. He was the executive director of the group at the time. This work connection would soon turn into a personal relationship.

How Samantha Met Pete Hegseth

Samantha met Pete Hegseth while working at Vets For Freedom. At that time, Pete was still married to his first wife, Meredith Schwarz. But things were already falling apart in his first marriage.

Pete and Samantha grew close while working together. Their connection was strong, and they soon began a relationship. In 2009, Pete’s first marriage officially ended. Not long after that, he and Samantha became a couple.

Their relationship moved quickly. They welcomed their first child, Gunner, before getting married. And in 2010, Samantha and Pete tied the knot in a church wedding in Richmond, Virginia.

Marriage to Pete Hegseth

Samantha and Pete’s wedding in 2010 seemed like a fresh start for both of them. They were a young couple, working in politics, and starting a family together.

During their marriage, Pete’s career grew. He became a well-known figure on Fox News and in political circles. Samantha, however, stayed in the background. She didn’t appear on TV or give interviews. Her focus was on her family and raising their children.

Over the years, they had two more sons—Boone in 2012, and Rex in 2016. By then, they were parents to three boys. From the outside, it looked like a happy family. But behind the scenes, things were changing.

Samantha Hegseth and Her Children

Being a mom has always been very important to Samantha Hegseth. Her three sons—Gunner, Boone, and Rex—have been her main focus, especially after the divorce.

• Gunner was born before their marriage in 2010.

• Boone came in 2012.

• Rex, their youngest, was born in 2016.

Today, all three boys are growing up and going to school in Minnesota, where Samantha now lives. It’s believed that they attend Liberty Classical Academy, a school known for its strong values and academics.

Samantha has been seen at school events and is known to be a very involved parent. Even though Pete Hegseth also stays active in their lives, the children mostly live with Samantha, especially when Pete is busy with work or traveling for political duties.

Why Did Samantha and Pete Hegseth Divorce?

In 2017, after seven years of marriage, Samantha Hegseth filed for divorce. The reason? Pete had an affair with another woman, Jennifer Rauchet, a Fox News executive producer.

But it wasn’t just an affair. Jennifer became pregnant with Pete’s child while he was still married to Samantha. This news shocked many people, and it caused a lot of drama in the media.

Samantha quickly filed for divorce after learning about the affair. She didn’t make a big public scene or give interviews. Instead, she chose to end the marriage quietly and protect her children from the spotlight.

By late 2017, the divorce was finalized. Pete later married Jennifer Rauchet, and they now have a daughter together.

What Happened After the Divorce?

After the divorce in 2017, Samantha Hegseth stepped away from the spotlight completely. While Pete moved on quickly and married Jennifer Rauchet, Samantha chose a quieter path.

She didn’t appear in the news, didn’t join any public events, and stayed away from all social media. Many people wondered where she went, but that’s exactly how she wanted it. Her focus was on her three sons and building a calm life for them.

According to reports, Samantha receives around $17,000 per month in spousal support from Pete. Part of their divorce deal also included a condition: Samantha is not allowed to speak negatively about Pete in public. If she does, she could lose up to $80,000 a year. Because of this, she stays silent even when her name is brought up in big news stories.

Samantha Hegseth’s Response to Abuse Allegations

In January 2025, Samantha’s name was suddenly back in the headlines. That’s because Pete Hegseth was nominated as the U.S. Secretary of Defense, and new claims were made during his confirmation hearing.

Pete’s former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth, submitted an affidavit saying Pete was abusive toward Samantha during their marriage. She claimed that Samantha once had to hide in a closet and had a secret “safe word” in case she needed help.

These were very serious claims. But Samantha gave a short public statement saying,

“There was no physical abuse in my marriage.”

She also told the FBI something similar and refused to speak more about the topic. In fact, she made it clear she does not want anyone to speak on her behalf either—not friends, not reporters, not even family. She wants privacy, and she’s asking everyone to respect that.

Where Is Samantha Hegseth Now?

As of 2025, Samantha Hegseth lives in Minnesota. She works at a school called Liberty Classical Academy, where her children also attend. It’s a private school that values tradition, structure, and faith—things that seem to fit Samantha’s quiet and grounded life.

She’s not in the media. She doesn’t use Instagram or Facebook. And you won’t find her doing interviews or podcasts. She has chosen a peaceful and private lifestyle. And for someone who went through a very public divorce, this makes perfect sense.

People who have seen her at school say she is kind, soft-spoken, and focused on being a good mom. That’s her main role now—a full-time mother who works quietly and stays out of the spotlight.

What We Know About Samantha Hegseth’s Private Life

Since the divorce, Samantha Hegseth has not remarried, and there is no news of her dating anyone. She hasn’t been seen at any events or in any public photos with a new partner.

It’s clear that she wants to protect her children and keep her personal life away from the media. And in a time when so many people post everything online, Samantha’s silence is powerful.

Many people respect her choice to stay private. She could have spoken out during Pete’s rise to power, but she didn’t. Even during moments of controversy, Samantha remained calm, quiet, and focused on her family.

Final Thoughts

The story of Samantha Hegseth, Pete Hegseth’s ex-wife, is not full of fame or headlines. It’s the story of a woman who chose peace, privacy, and strength after a very public and painful divorce.

She was once married to a powerful man in politics and television. But instead of staying in that world, she walked away. She focused on her children, her job, and building a better life far from public attention.

In 2025, many people still ask about her. But the truth is simple: Samantha Hegseth is living her life on her own terms—quiet, strong, and away from the spotlight.

Her story is a reminder that you don’t have to shout to be heard. Sometimes, silence speaks louder than words.

(FAQs)

How old is Samantha Hegseth, and when was she born?

Samantha Hegseth was born on January 1, 1970, which makes her 55 years old in 2025. Yes — she was born on New Year’s Day!

How many kids does Samantha Hegseth have?

She has three sons with Pete Hegseth — Gunner, Boone, and Rex. Surprisingly, their first son was born before marriage.

What happened between Samantha Hegseth and Jennifer Rauchet?

Samantha divorced Pete Hegseth in 2017 after he cheated on her with Jennifer Rauchet, who was also pregnant with his child at the time.

Was Samantha Hegseth ever on Fox & Friends?

No, Samantha was never a host or guest on Fox & Friends, even though Pete was a regular co-host for years.

When did Samantha and Pete Hegseth get married and divorced?

They got married in 2010 and divorced in 2017 — after 7 years together. Their marriage ended after Pete’s secret affair came to light.