“He’s turning our son into a version of himself — and I won’t stay silent anymore.”

Years after walking away from what she now calls “the most emotionally disorienting chapter” of her life, Meredith Schwarz, Pete Hegseth’s first wife, has kept to the shadows. She moved on, rebuilt her life, and tried to co-parent in peace.

But today, she’s breaking that silence — because now, it’s about her son.

“This isn’t about revenge. This isn’t about hate. This is about a boy who’s being raised in a world that teaches him to hide his feelings, to silence empathy, and to worship power.”

A MOTHER’S WORRY

Meredith and Pete share a son — their first and only child together from their early marriage. For years, Meredith tried to keep things civil, agreeing to joint custody and public silence.

But now, with Pete’s public persona more amplified than ever — fueled by political fire, media exposure, and a constant stream of patriotic branding — Meredith says she no longer recognizes the man she once married. Worse, she fears that version of Pete is now shaping their son.

“He talks to our son like he’s a soldier, not a child,” she says. “It’s always about toughness, image, legacy. I’m scared he’s losing the ability to be vulnerable — to be human.”

According to Meredith, their son returns from weekends with Pete withdrawn, cold, and sometimes repeating phrases that sound “scripted” or “rehearsed.”

“I asked him how he felt about something once, and he said, ‘We don’t talk about feelings. We win.’ That broke me.”

THE OTHER WOMAN — NOW THE OTHER MOTHER

Meredith also expressed concern over the influence of Jennifer Rauchet, Pete’s third wife, who now shares the home where her son spends part of his life.

“Jennifer is not his mother. But she posts more pictures with my son than I ever would. He’s become a prop — another symbol in their American Dream narrative.”

What bothers Meredith most isn’t just the publicity — it’s the performance.

“They hold Bible study, yes. But they also teach that success is about power, silence, and obedience. That’s not faith. That’s branding.”

LEGAL ACTION LOOMING?

Sources close to Meredith confirm that she has met with legal counsel regarding modification of custody rights — though she’s yet to file formally.

“She’s not trying to erase Pete,” a friend says. “She’s trying to give her son balance, emotional space, and the freedom to grow without becoming a clone.”

In the event of a custody challenge, Meredith may cite:

Psychological impact from exposure to militarized language and discipline

Concerns over exposure to national attention without consent

Alleged manipulation of the child’s communication and emotional processing

“HE KNOWS HOW TO WIN A ROOM. HE JUST DOESN’T KNOW HOW TO LOVE IT.”

Meredith reflects on the early days — how Pete swept her off her feet with words about purpose, service, and building a future. But now, she sees those same traits as calculated.

“He’s always been a performer. He performs leadership. He performs faith. He performs fatherhood.”

She pauses.

“But parenting isn’t about being admired. It’s about being safe, being consistent, and letting your child feel like he matters — even when he’s not perfect.”

“I WON’T LET HIM BE ERASED FROM HIS OWN LIFE”

Meredith finishes the interview with tears in her eyes.

“My son is sensitive. He’s funny. He’s creative. And he’s being taught that none of those things matter if he can’t win. But I see him. And I want him back — not into my house, but into himself.”