By Frankie Pressman and Richard Luthmann
President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, has ignited controversy—not over military credentials but his family.
On "The Unknown Podcast," journalists Michael Volpe and Richard Luthmann clashed over Hegseth’s claim of being a father to seven children. Volpe accused Hegseth of misleading the public, while Luthmann staunchly defended blended families.
“Seven Kids or Creative Counting?”
Volpe opened the segment by challenging Hegseth’s portrayal of his family.
“He says he has seven kids, but let’s break it down,” Volpe said.
Hegseth shares three biological children with his ex-wife, Samantha Deering, one with his current wife, Jennifer Rauchet, and three stepchildren from Rauchet’s prior marriage. Volpe cited divorce documents showing Hegseth’s biological children live primarily with their mother in Minnesota while he resides in New Jersey.
“He’s presenting himself as this great family man,” Volpe argued, “but how often are these seven kids even together?” He labeled the narrative as “misleading.”
Luthmann Defends Stepparents
Luthmann fired back with a biblical analogy.
“Show me Jesus Christ’s birth certificate,” he quipped. “St. Joseph was Jesus’ stepfather. Are we going to impugn the integrity of every stepparent because they’re not biologically related?”
The outspoken commentator emphasized love over biology.
“It’s not about where the kids live or whose DNA they carry. It’s about love, support, and spiritual guidance,” Luthmann said.
He praised Hegseth as “a good Christian man” providing for his blended family.
Volpe: “What About the Adultery?”
Volpe didn’t let up, pointing to Hegseth’s past infidelity.
“This great family man had an affair with his first wife and moved to New Jersey,” Volpe remarked. “Does that sound like a loving father to you?”
Luthmann conceded Hegseth’s moral shortcomings but framed them within a larger religious context.
“We are all mortal beings with weaknesses. That’s why Moses went up Mount Sinai,” he said. “Hegseth’s flaws don’t negate the love and commitment he shows his children now.”
Hegseth’s Own Words
Hegseth himself has addressed these family dynamics in interviews, rejecting labels like “stepchildren.”
“We’re a family brought together by the grace of God,” he told Nashville Christian Family Magazine. “There are no ‘steps’ or ‘halves’ in the Hegseth clan.”
Despite the criticism, Hegseth is a devoted father who prioritizes faith and family. He says his goal is to raise his children with strong Christian values and a love for their country.
Podcast Sparks Broader Debate
The spirited exchange between Volpe and Luthmann highlights a larger conversation about modern family structures. Luthmann accused Volpe of unfairly attacking stepparents.
“If a stepparent loves and defends a child, that’s the end of the story for me,” he declared.
Volpe maintained his stance, arguing that public figures should accurately represent their family dynamics.
“This isn’t about stepparents; it’s about honesty,” Volpe insisted.
The Bigger Picture
As the debate rages on, Hegseth’s nomination remains a focal point for supporters and detractors alike. Critics question his qualifications, while advocates emphasize his faith-based leadership and military service.
Hegseth’s personal life—messy or not—adds a human dimension to his political persona. For now, the question of whether he is “Father of Seven” or “Four Plus Three” underscores a broader cultural conversation about love, commitment, and the evolving definition of family.
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