Hegseth denies presidential run report

S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied a report that he is considering running for president in 2028, calling the claim "100% false" in a post on X. "We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous 'sources.' My only job: Make Department of War Great Again," he wrote.

The denial came after NBC News reported on Friday that Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, had discussed the possibility of a presidential campaign with close friends and associates over the past several months. Two people familiar with those discussions told the network that the prospect had been floated privately.

The Pentagon also rejected the report. "Secretary Hegseth is not running for president, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish," a spokesperson told NBC News.

Iowa appearance fuels speculation

Interest in Hegseth's political ambitions increased this month after he traveled to the Iowa State Fair to campaign for Republican Rep. Zach Nunn. NBC reporter Courtney Kube described the fair as "a place where candidates go and showcase themselves in advance of a big run."

This was the second campaign event Hegseth attended this year, following an appearance in Kentucky to support Trump-endorsed candidate Ed Gallrein over Rep. Thomas Massie. "In both cases, he was received well. He was received like a rock star," Kube said.

NBC reported that Hegseth sees himself as appealing to President Donald Trump's MAGA voter base through similar attributes to the president, such as being defiant and willing to discuss social issues on the campaign trail.

Political positioning

Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has become one of the administration's most prominent culture-war figures, promoting efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion programs at the Pentagon. One Republican operative involved in the party's midterm efforts told NBC News that Hegseth appeals particularly strongly to male and core Republican voters.

"Hegseth is good for men, for base voters," the operative said. "He encapsulates that masculinity that Trump captured in 2024."

A Hegseth candidacy could place him in direct competition with other senior administration figures widely viewed as possible 2028 contenders, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The Washington Post, citing sources, previously reported that Trump privately told Republican donors he wanted to see Vance as a candidate in the next presidential election.

Matt Schlapp, chairman of the American Conservative Union, encouraged Hegseth to consider entering the 2028 race, according to NBC's report. A pro-Trump operative said Hegseth remains popular with the MAGA base but must "deliver the goods" and "win wars."

Hegseth has also faced scrutiny over his handling of the war with Iran and the 'Signalgate' controversy, NBC noted.

Broader context

A Quinnipiac University poll showed 79% of Republicans approve of Hegseth's job performance, compared to 34% of all Americans. The defense secretary has drawn headlines for controversial statements and policies, including using a transphobic slur while showing his cross tattoo at the Iowa State Fair, according to Salon. Hegseth said, "At the Department of War, we do training, not t*nies."

Salon also reported that Hegseth has pushed Black and women soldiers out of leadership positions and promotion opportunities, and has reduced the number of recognized religions from 211 to 31, with 21 being Christian denominations—a plan that was scrapped after protests from Mormons.

The Navy is considering renaming the aircraft carrier after Trump, replacing Doris Miller, a Black hero of Pearl Harbor, according to Salon.