Hegseth rejects NBC News report claiming he's weighing a 2028 presidential run: '100% false'

WASHINGTON, DC: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is privately discussing a possible 2028 presidential campaign, according to a report by NBC News, potentially putting another Trump administration figure in the early Republican succession conversation.

The outlet claims that two people familiar with Hegseth and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, have raised the possibility with friends and associates in recent months. Hegseth, however, has strongly denied the report, calling it “100% false” and saying his focus is completely on his current position in the Defense Department.

NBC News report claims Pete Hegseth has discussed 2028 bid

According to the outlet, Hegseth’s potential political ambitions have been discussed privately in recent months after he traveled to the Iowa State Fair earlier this month to campaign for Rep Zach Nunn (R-Iowa). Iowa plays a prominent role in presidential nomination politics as the first state in the Republican nominating process.

The report alleged that Hegseth and his wife have discussed a potential presidential campaign with people close to them, although the defense secretary has not announced a candidacy or formally indicated that he intends to seek the Republican nomination.

However, the Pentagon rejected the report when asked by the outlet. “Secretary Hegseth is not running for president, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish,” a Pentagon spokesperson told the network.

Hegseth also directly rejected the report in a post on X. “100% false,” he wrote. “We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous 'sources.' My only job: Make Department of War Great Again.”

The report comes as Hegseth has become one of the administration’s most visible figures. At the Pentagon, he has promoted the administration’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and has repeatedly criticized policies he describes as “woke garbage.”

The network cited one Republican operative involved in the party’s midterm preparations who said Hegseth appeals to the GOP base because he projects an image of masculinity associated with Trump’s political appeal.

Another operative allegedly told the outlet that “MAGA really loves Hegseth,” but said he would still “have to deliver the goods.” “If you want to be secretary of war, you've got to win wars,” the operative said.

Marco Rubio, JD Vance remain leading potential GOP contenders

A potential Hegseth bid would add another prominent Trump administration figure to a Republican field that already includes Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as possible 2028 contenders. However, neither Vance nor Rubio has formally announced a presidential campaign either.

But early polls suggest both Rubio and Vance as the strongest GOP contenders. An Emerson College poll released last week showed Rubio performing better in current polls than Vance in several matchups. Against former Vice President Kamala Harris and Rep Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rubio led both Democrats by 48%-43%.

Vance led Ocasio-Cortez 46%-44%, but trailed Harris 49%-45%. However, California Governor Gavin Newsom performed better against both Republicans. Newsom led Vance 49%-44% and Rubio 48%-46%.