Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Denies 2028 Presidential Bid Reports
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied claims that he is considering a run for president in 2028. He labeled the reports as “100% false” following an NBC News story suggesting he discussed a campaign with friends and associates. Hegseth criticized the network for relying on anonymous sources, claiming the report was inaccurate. On X, he stated, “My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again.”
The report arises amid increasing interest in the 2028 Republican presidential field. Several members from President Donald Trump’s administration are noted as potential candidates. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are among the prominent names, with Donald Trump Jr. and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis also mentioned.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for further comment.
What To Know
According to NBC News, Hegseth has allegedly discussed a possible presidential run with close associates, believing his conservative appeal and connection with Trump’s base could support a campaign. His presence at the Iowa State Fair, where he supported Republican Representative Zach Nunn, has fueled speculation due to Iowa’s strategic political role.
Hegseth’s allies have dismissed the report. Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated, “Secretary Hegseth is not running for President, and his main priority is leading the War Department.” White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly praised his service under Trump.
Hegseth has appeared on the campaign trail in advance of the 2026 midterms, campaigning notably in Kentucky against Republican Representative Thomas Massie. A 2028 campaign could face hurdles, including public discontent over the war in Iran and gas prices, currently averaging over $4 per gallon. Hegseth was also involved in a controversy over military strike discussions on the app Signal, known as Signalgate.
Trump’s strong influence in the Republican Party remains significant, as he discusses future successors.
Hegseth’s denial has not stopped rumors about his political aspirations. As the 2028 election approaches, potential shifts in the political landscape could alter the field significantly before voting begins.
What 2028 Polls Show
Early polling indicates Hegseth as a less favored contender compared to leading Republican figures. A CPAC straw poll earlier this year showed Vance with 53 percent support, Rubio with 35 percent, and Hegseth receiving 1 percent.
National polls also rank Vance, Rubio, and Trump Jr. higher, though the race remains uncertain. An Echelon Insights poll reports Vance at 39 percent, Rubio at 22 percent, DeSantis at 10 percent, Trump Jr. at 8 percent, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 3 percent. The poll involved 1,002 likely voters, with a margin of error of 3.4 percent.
Emerson College Polling found Vance and Rubio almost neck-and-neck, with Vance at 39 percent and Rubio at 38 percent. DeSantis held 5 percent, and 9 percent were undecided. This poll involved 1,100 likely voters, showing a credibility interval of 2.9 percent.