7 Shocking Facts About Samantha Deering, Pete Hegseth's Second Wife, And The Abuse Allegations She Refuted

Contents
The relationship between Samantha Deering and Fox News contributor Pete Hegseth was marked by a dramatic and public end, but the story of Hegseth's second wife extends far beyond the headlines of their 2017 divorce. As of late 2025, with Hegseth's name frequently in the news for political appointments, public curiosity about Samantha Deering's life, her successful career as a Physical Therapist and CrossFit coach, and the serious allegations that surfaced years after their split has spiked. This article provides the most current, verified details on their seven-year marriage, the three sons they share, and the crucial court document that addresses the claims of domestic abuse.

Samantha Deering and Pete Hegseth: A Complete Biography and Family Profile

The former couple's biographies reveal two driven individuals whose paths crossed in the world of politics and veteran advocacy.

Samantha Deering (Samantha Hegseth)

  • Full Name: Samantha Deering (also known as Samantha Hegseth).
  • Place of Birth: Michigan (based on her personal bio).
  • Current Profession: Physical Therapist and CrossFit Coach/Athlete. She is currently a coach at CrossFit Brighton in Michigan.
  • Connection to Pete Hegseth: Second wife.
  • Date of Marriage: 2010.
  • Date of Divorce: 2017 (finalized around 2018).
  • Children: Three sons with Pete Hegseth: Gunner Hegseth, Peter Boone Hegseth (Boone), and Rex Hegseth.

Peter Brian Hegseth

  • Full Name: Peter Brian Hegseth.
  • Date of Birth: June 6, 1980.
  • Place of Birth: Forest Lake, Minnesota, U.S.
  • Education: B.A. from Princeton University; Master in Public Policy (MPP) from Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
  • Career Highlights: U.S. Army National Guard officer (served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Guantanamo Bay); Executive Director of Vets for Freedom; Fox News Channel contributor and host; Author; Ran for U.S. Senate in Minnesota (2012).
  • Spouses: Meredith Schwarz (m. 2004; div. 2009); Samantha Deering (m. 2010; div. 2017); Jennifer Rauchet (m. 2019).
  • Total Children: Seven (three with Samantha Deering, one daughter with Jennifer Rauchet, and three step-children from Jennifer’s previous marriage).

The Tumultuous Timeline: From Vets for Freedom to Divorce

Samantha Deering and Pete Hegseth’s relationship began while Hegseth was still married to his first wife, Meredith Schwarz. The two met while Hegseth was working in Washington, D.C., likely during his time as the executive director of the conservative veterans' advocacy group, Vets for Freedom. Hegseth and Schwarz divorced in 2009, and he married Samantha Deering a year later in 2010. During their seven years of marriage, Samantha and Pete welcomed three sons: Gunner, Peter Boone (Boone), and Rex. The family was based in Minnesota for a period, where Hegseth ran an unsuccessful campaign for the U.S. Senate in 2012.

The Affair That Ended the Marriage

The marriage ultimately dissolved due to Hegseth’s infidelity. While still married to Samantha Deering, Hegseth began an affair with a Fox News executive producer, Jennifer Rauchet, who is now his current wife. The affair became public knowledge when Hegseth and Rauchet welcomed a biological daughter, Gwendolyn, in 2017, before his divorce from Samantha was finalized. Samantha Deering and Pete Hegseth officially divorced in 2017, marking the end of Hegseth’s second marriage.

The Truth Behind the Serious Domestic Abuse Allegations

The most recent and controversial news surrounding the former couple involves serious allegations of domestic abuse and alcohol abuse leveled against Pete Hegseth.

The Claims from Hegseth's Former Sister-in-Law

In recent years, Hegseth's former sister-in-law, Danielle Hegseth (the ex-wife of his brother), made public claims accusing the Fox News host of assault and alcohol abuse. She specifically claimed that Pete Hegseth's behavior made Samantha Deering "fear for her life" while they were married. These allegations gained significant traction, especially given Hegseth's high-profile status and potential political appointments.

Samantha Deering's Official Refutation

Crucially, the claims regarding Samantha Deering's safety were officially addressed and refuted in a court document. In 2021, a court document signed by both Samantha Deering and Pete Hegseth stated unequivocally that neither party was a victim of domestic abuse during their marriage. Hegseth’s lawyer, Tim Parlatore, dismissed the former sister-in-law's claims, stating she had an "ax to grind" against the Fox News personality. This court filing provides the most definitive public statement on the matter from Samantha Deering herself, effectively contradicting the claims made by her former in-law.

Samantha Deering's Independent Life and Current Career

Since the divorce, Samantha Deering has successfully focused on her career and her passion for fitness, maintaining a life largely out of the political spotlight.

A Career as a Physical Therapist and CrossFit Coach

Samantha Deering is a certified Physical Therapist and a dedicated fitness professional. She currently works as a coach at CrossFit Brighton in Michigan, where she also competes as an athlete in the CrossFit Open. Her professional profile emphasizes her commitment to helping individuals achieve resilience through fitness, a clear indication of her current focus and dedication.

Co-Parenting and the Children

Despite the messy end to their marriage, Samantha and Pete Hegseth co-parent their three sons: Gunner, Boone, and Rex. The children are frequently mentioned in public, demonstrating that both parents remain involved in their lives. The focus appears to be on providing a stable environment for their boys, even as Hegseth continues to expand his family with his third wife, Jennifer Rauchet, and her children. In the years following her divorce from one of the most visible figures in conservative media, Samantha Deering has successfully transitioned to a career-focused, private life. Her official refutation of the abuse allegations provides crucial clarity on the most sensitive aspect of her high-profile marriage, allowing her to move forward as a dedicated mother, Physical Therapist, and fitness coach. Her story is a testament to resilience and the ability to forge a strong, independent path after a public separation.
samantha deering pete hegseth
samantha deering pete hegseth

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