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Hegseth denies report he's eyeing 2028 presidential bid

NBC News reported Hegseth discussed a 2028 bid with close associates, but the Pentagon said his main priority is leading the War Department.

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied reports Friday that he is weighing a 2028 presidential bid, calling the NBC claim "100% false." A Pentagon spokesperson stated his priority is leading the War Department, dismissing other speculation as "foolish."
  • Following a trip to the Iowa State Fair to support GOP Rep. Zach Nunn, reports suggest Hegseth and Jennifer Hegseth have discussed a potential campaign, viewing him as sharing President Trump's appeal with the MAGA base.
  • A March CPAC straw poll showed the defense chief is a "long shot" for the 2028 nomination, with Hegseth earning just 1%, while Vice President Vance drew 53% and State Marco Rubio reached 35%.
  • Any presidential bid faces baggage including the unpopular Iran war, criticism from former defense secretaries, and a watchdog finding regarding sensitive military information on the Signal app. The Daily Beast reports Jennifer Hegseth is organizing a "dramatic new power grab."
  • Betting markets currently favor Vice President Vance with a 44% chance of becoming the next Republican nominee, followed by State Marco Rubio at 19%, with no other candidate above 5%. Sen. Ted Cruz has acknowledged interest in 2028.
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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ‘to make 2028 presidential bid’

·London, United Kingdom
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  • 38% of the sources lean Left, 38% of the sources lean Right
38% Right

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Political Wire broke the news in New York, United States on Friday, August 28, 2026.
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