Pete Hegseth Privately Floats Presidential Run to Friends: Report

Alex Brandon/AP photo

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is privately discussing a potential run for president in 2028, according to a new report, potentially adding another central administration figure to the emerging battle to inherit the MAGA movement from President Donald Trump.

The defense secretary and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, have both floated the prospect with close friends and associates over the past several months, two people familiar with the conversations told NBC News on Friday.

The former Fox News host’s political ambitions drew fresh attention earlier this month when Hegseth traveled to the Iowa State Fair to campaign for Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA). Iowa has traditionally occupied a crucial position in presidential politics as the first state to hold Republican nominating contests, which piqued curiosity after the defense secretary’s visit.

Speaking to NBC News, however, the Pentagon flatly denied the claims as “foolish”: “Secretary Hegseth is not running for president, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish.”

Hegseth has also publicly touted his dismantling of DEI programs and other policies he has branded “woke garbage” at the Pentagon while taking that same culture-war message directly to Trump’s political base.

One Republican operative involved in the party’s midterms told NBC News: “Hegseth is good for men, for base voters. He encapsulates that masculinity that Trump captured in 2024.”

A Hegseth candidacy could put him directly against two Trump administration heavyweights widely viewed as potential 2028 contenders: Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

But Hegseth would also carry substantial baggage into a Republican primary, including scrutiny over his handling of the ongoing Iran war and last year’s “Signalgate” controversy.

One pro-Trump operative close to the White House told the network that while “MAGA really loves Hegseth,” he would have “to deliver the goods.”

“If you want to be secretary of war, you’ve got to win wars,” the operative said.

Hegseth, however, did win some encouragement from some on the right, with American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp telling NBC News: “Pete Hegseth should consider running for president. He’s an impressive guy and has a tremendous amount of energy.”

After NBC News published its story, Hegseth angrily denied the reporting.

“100% false,” he posted on X. “We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous ‘sources.'”

New: The Mediaite One-Sheet "Newsletter of Newsletters"
Your daily summary and analysis of what the many, many media newsletters are saying and reporting. Subscribe now!