Pete and Jennifer Hegseth are a political couple marked by controversy and public awkwardness. As Pete attempts to prove that the third time is the charm, the photos with his wife paint a very different picture. 

They are even giving Mike and Kelly Johnson a run for their money. Pete and Jennifer’s marriage is far from controversy-free. They have joined a roster of political couples whose controversies are well-documented. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by @deptofwar

The two met while working at Fox News together. Brian Stelter revealed in his book Network of Lies how Jennifer got pregnant with Pete’s child in 2016. He was still married to his second wife, Samantha Hegseth. 

Meanwhile, Jennifer was also married at the time. The duo eventually got married in 2019. They each brought three children from their past marriages into the new family, along with the daughter they share. 

Pete has been married three times and has admitted to five affairs during his first marriage to Meredith Schwarz. He settled a 2017 assault charge with a $50,000 payment, denying the allegation. From alcoholism accusations to his own mother claiming he was abusive towards women, Pete’s rap sheet was anything but laudable. 

For Pete, bring-your-wife-to-work day quickly backfired. Jennifer accompanied her man to his Senate confirmation hearing in January.  In March, she attended two meetings with foreign defense officials during which sensitive information was discussed.

Jennifer seems to be holding an unorthodox and prominent role at the Pentagon without formal employment. Jennifer was slammed for her involvement in private Signal chats discussing military operations. Officials and experts expressed their concern over obscure personal-professional boundaries and security risks.

The defense secretary has the discretion to invite anybody to meetings with foreign counterparts. However, those attending usually have high-level scrutiny clearances. It remains a mystery if Jennifer ever had any clearance. 

The couple’s wooden public photo moments often include a lack of chemistry and rigid poses. They’ve entered the “Infamous Political Couples” club with other notable names like the Trumps, the Johnsons, and the Clintons. 

Nevertheless, their attempts to put up a united front often blow up in their faces. The public found Pete’s awkward anniversary post for Jennifer in August 2024, forced. The very first photo of Jennifer was the one with Pete scarily staring down the camera while Jennifer was not even looking at it. 

 

 
 
 
 
 
View this post on Instagram
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 

A post shared by Pete Hegseth (@petehegseth)

The public fascination with the couple’s backstory has often fueled speculation of a troubled marriage. From social media commentary to their public appearances, all show signs of a somewhat washed-out marriage.

According to The List, Pete and Jennifer’s romantic attempt during the military parade lacked chemistry. As she smiled for the cameras and held his hand during the Valentine’s Day 2025 military parade photo, he looked distracted by the men in uniform. The outlet noted Pete’s attempt to flex his arms. 

Their ice cream date in August 2025 went viral, as Jennifer looked dejected. The no contact and the awkward space between the two screamed trouble in paradise. 

Pete and Jennifer joined President Donald Trump and Melania Trump for a September 11 special event in Arlington, Virginia. The photos from the event feature noticeable unease as the first lady seemed to be zoning out, and Jennifer looked out of place. It has become a recurring theme where photos repeatedly show Jennifer seeking connection while Pete appears rigid.