Pete Hegseth's 'Love of His Life' Remark Draws Mockery

Pete Hegseth sparked a wave of criticism by posting a sentimental birthday greeting to his wife Jennifer Roche. He called her «the love of his life,» which many found hypocritical given his two previous marriages that ended due to infidelity.

Hegseth shared a series of joint photos with Roche on social media, taken at the premiere of the film «Melania» in Washington. In the comments, users sarcastically asked which number wife she was and reminded him that he likely said the same thing to his previous spouses.

Hegseth and Roche«s relationship began in a scandalous setting. They met while working at the same TV channel, and both were married to other people. Roche gave birth to their daughter Gwen in August 2017, when Hegseth was still officially married to his second wife, Samantha Deering. The divorce from Deering was finalized a month after the child»s birth, and the wedding with Roche took place on their daughter«s second birthday in 2019.

Hegseth«s first marriage to Meredith Schwarz lasted from 2004 to 2009. During the divorce, Schwarz stated that he cheated on her with several women. According to media reports, in 2024, an article was published where sources described how Schwarz was subjected to psychological pressure from Hegseth.

Currently, Hegseth and Roche are raising seven children from previous marriages. Hegseth himself emphasizes that he does not divide the children into «his» and «stepchildren,» calling them one family.

Previously, Hegseth has been the subject of mockery due to his appearance. At the same premiere of the film «Melania,» he appeared in a suit that was too tight, which sparked new jokes online.