Pete Hegseth is already looking beyond the Pentagon, according to NBC News, which reports that the defense secretary has told confidants he’s weighing a 2028 presidential bid. The outlet notes that Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, have been mulling the idea for months, seeing him as sharing some of President Trump’s appeal with the MAGA base—especially his combative style and hard-line stance on social issues. His recent trip to the Iowa State Fair to stump for GOP Rep. Zach Nunn has only fueled whispers on the matter. More:
Hegseth response: Officially, Hegseth says he’s not running and is focused on his current job. “His main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish,” a Pentagon spokesperson says. Hegseth himself tweeted about it, calling the NBC report “100% false,” adding, “We told NBC that, but they just lie w/anonymous ‘sources.'”