NBC reports on Pete Hegseth’s possible 2028 presidential bid; Hegseth denies report.
NBC News, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported that Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Secretary of War, has privately discussed the possibility of running for president in the 2028 election in recent months. According to the report, the prospect has been raised within Hegseth’s inner circle, with some individuals discussing the possibility of his entering the presidential race in the future.
Sources who spoke with NBC News said that Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, have discussed the possibility with a number of close friends and associates. The sources said the idea of a potential presidential campaign has come up in private conversations, although no formal decision or public announcement has been made.
The Pentagon, however, rejected the report and described it as “ridiculous.” The department said Hegseth has no intention of running for president and that his current priority is leading the Department of War and fulfilling his responsibilities in the role. Hegseth also quickly responded to the report, denying the claims about his political ambitions.
In a post on X, Hegseth called the report “100% false,” writing: “We told NBC this, but they are lying with anonymous sources. My only job is making the Department of War great again. Patriots, keep working.” He emphasized that his current focus remains on his responsibilities at the Department of War.
Speculation about Hegseth’s political future increased following his recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair. He attended the event in support of a Republican candidate and received a warm reception from some attendees. Iowa plays an important role in the Republican presidential primary process, and appearances by prominent political figures in the state are sometimes interpreted as indications of future electoral ambitions and political activity.
Sources familiar with the matter also told NBC that Hegseth and his wife believe he shares certain characteristics with Donald Trump, including a combative approach, a strong presence in social and cultural debates, and a willingness to address controversial issues publicly. According to the sources, these qualities could appeal to some voters who support the Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement.
A Republican political activist also told NBC that, for some male Trump supporters, Hegseth represents an image of “masculinity” an image that, the activist said, Trump also emphasized during the 2024 election. However, these assessments reflect the views of individuals within Republican political circles and do not constitute evidence of a firm decision by Hegseth to enter the presidential race.
Should Hegseth decide to run in 2028, he would face several powerful figures within the Republican Party. Among the most prominent names being discussed as potential successors to Trump are Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Both are leading figures in the Republican Party and have previously been mentioned in discussions about the next presidential election.
Despite the growing speculation, Hegseth has so far provided no official indication that he intends to seek the presidency in 2028. He and the Pentagon have rejected reports of such plans and stressed that Hegseth’s primary focus remains on leading the Department of War and carrying out his responsibilities as a member of the U.S. administration.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
