Secretary of War Pete Hegseth is pushing back against a report that he has privately discussed a 2028 presidential campaign, saying his only focus is leading the Department of War as Vice President JD Vance currently leads early Republican primary polling.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has flatly denied a report that he is considering a presidential run in 2028, rejecting claims that he and his wife have privately discussed a possible campaign with friends and associates.
The speculation began Friday when NBC News reported, citing two unnamed people familiar with the conversations, that Hegseth had been talking with close friends and family members about a potential bid for the White House.
Hegseth responded later Friday night in a post on X, writing, “100% false.”
“We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous “sources,”” Hegseth added.
“My only job: Make the Department of War Great Again. Carry on Patriots, and enjoy your Friday night,” he concluded.
The Pentagon separately denied that Hegseth was preparing a presidential campaign.
According to Mediaite, a Pentagon spokesperson responded to the NBC report by saying, “Secretary Hegseth is not running for president, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish.”
NBC’s account painted a different picture, saying Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, had floated the possibility of a presidential run for several months.
“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told close friends and associates that he is considering a run for president in 2028, according to two people familiar with the conversations,” NBC reported.
The network said the discussions were based in part on a belief that Hegseth possesses some of the same political characteristics that have helped President Donald Trump maintain strong support within the MAGA movement.
“Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer, have floated the idea of a presidential run for the past few months, believing he has some of the same attributes that have made Donald Trump popular with the MAGA movement, the people said. Trump’s core voters appreciate Hegseth’s toughness, defiance and conservative stance on social issues, they said.”
NBC also pointed to Hegseth’s recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair on behalf of a Republican congressman as a development that fueled speculation about his future political ambitions.
“Hegseth’s appearance at the Iowa State Fair on behalf of a Republican congressman earlier this month kindled both surprise and speculation about his possible presidential ambitions,” the report said.
Iowa has traditionally held an outsized role in presidential politics because its caucuses have frequently opened the party nominating calendar, drawing would-be candidates to the state well before a formal campaign begins.
“Iowa has long been a springboard for presidential campaigns. The state’s caucuses have traditionally come first in the nominating calendar, making Iowa a magnet for presidential hopefuls,” NBC reported.
Hegseth’s denial comes as early attention is already turning toward the Republican field for 2028.
A recent Echelon Insights Republican presidential primary poll published by The New York Times showed Vice President JD Vance well ahead of other potential candidates, with 38% support.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio followed with 15%, while Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis received 9% and Donald Trump Jr. drew 8%.
Hegseth was not included in the poll.
For now, the Secretary of War is publicly distancing himself from the emerging 2028 conversation and insisting that speculation about a presidential campaign does not reflect his plans.
His response Friday left little ambiguity about the position he wants associated with him publicly: rather than preparing for the next presidential race, Hegseth said his focus remains on running the Department of War.
Original article
Comments