Report: Pete Hegseth Considering Campaign To Be Tennessee’s Next Governor
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly contemplating a potential candidacy in his home state of Tennessee, which has raised eyebrows both within and outside the Trump administration.
According to two sources with direct knowledge, Hegseth has discreetly informed allies of his consideration for a political future beyond his role at the Pentagon. At 45 years old, he has become one of the most prominent figures during President Trump’s second term, attracting national attention during his Senate confirmation process and accumulating political capital that insiders suggest he may be poised to utilize, as reported by NBC News.
Should Hegseth decide to resign in order to run, it would represent the most significant upheaval in Trump’s cabinet since the notable departure of Elon Musk, who left his position as advisor and head of the Department of Government Efficiency earlier this year.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell refrained from commenting on the speculation. “Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump,” he stated.
One source who communicated directly with Hegseth in the last three weeks indicated that he appeared serious about the prospect of launching a campaign. Another source confirmed that they had discussed this with him since his appointment as defense secretary in January.
The position he seems most interested in is that of governor, according to one individual who spoke with him regarding eligibility criteria.
If Hegseth pursues a run, he would need to resign from the Pentagon prior to making any public announcement, as the Department of Defense prohibits its employees from campaigning for office.
NBC News, which initially reported the story, referenced another individual who mentioned that Hegseth had talked about the challenges of running his first campaign.
Both sources informed NBC that it remains uncertain whether Hegseth will ultimately follow through with this plan.
Hegseth himself criticized the report and the network that published it.
“Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are circulating a fabricated story… once again,” he remarked. “There are only two possibilities: either the ‘sources’ are fictitious or these reporters are being misled. Secretary Hegseth’s focus remains on serving the President.”
A third source ��� an individual not part of Hegseth���s close circle ��� rejected the notion that he would be departing from his position in the near future. This source informed NBC that the assertion was ���completely unfounded��� and emphasized that Hegseth had been ���extremely, extremely clear��� about his intention to remain in his role.
A veteran advisor to Trump reiterated this perspective, stating to NBC that the prevailing belief within the administration is that Hegseth will continue as defense secretary through the midterm elections.
Earlier this month, President Donald Trump conducted his sixth Cabinet meeting of the year, during which he addressed several significant issues.
Following his brief remarks, Trump entertained a few inquiries from the reporters present.
One reporter questioned the president regarding allegations that Russia had utilized chemical weapons in Ukraine. According to intelligence from Dutch and German sources, Russian troops have employed drone-launched choking agents to force Ukrainians from their trenches and subsequently shoot them. The United States had previously accused Russia of using chemical weapons last year.
The reporter referenced the findings from Dutch and German intelligence and inquired of Trump, ���What is the assessment of U.S. intelligence, and what is your stance on the use of chemical weapons?���
As she continued speaking, Trump reclined in his chair and gradually turned to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who was seated to the president���s left.
���Are you aware of this, Pete?��� Trump murmured while the reporter persisted in her questioning.
���John might have more information,��� Hegseth responded, alluding to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
���I would suggest that John discuss it, if you wish,��� Trump advised the reporter. ���John?���
���Mr. President, clearly, chemical weapons ��� if they are documented and utilized ��� are illegal,��� Ratcliffe replied to the president. ���They violate all international laws of armed conflict and treaties. And naturally, I cannot disclose in this setting with this audience the intelligence I can share with you privately. However, it is clear that you will not permit or condone any breaches of international law by anyone.���
���That���s correct,��� Trump affirmed.