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 vacated 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 in a press release.
One source who communicated directly with Hegseth in the last three weeks indicated that he appeared serious about the prospect of initiating a campaign. Another source confirmed that they had engaged in discussions with him regarding this matter since his appointment as defense secretary in January.
The position he seems most interested in is that of governor, according to an individual who conversed with him about the 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 associated with running his first campaign.
Both sources informed NBC that it remains uncertain whether Hegseth will ultimately follow through with his intentions.
Hegseth himself criticized the report and the network that published it.
“NBC’s fake news is so eager for attention that they are once again peddling a fabricated story,” he stated. “There are only two possibilities: either the ‘sources’ are fictitious, or these journalists are being deceived. Secretary Hegseth is entirely focused on serving under President Trump and promoting the America First agenda at the Department of Defense.”
A third source, who is not part of Hegseth’s close circle, rejected the notion that he would be leaving his position anytime soon. This source informed NBC that the assertion was “completely off the table” and emphasized that Hegseth had been “very, very clear” about his intention to remain in his role.
A veteran advisor to Trump supported this view, informing NBC that the prevailing expectation 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, addressing several significant issues.
Following his brief remarks, Trump entertained a few questions from the reporters present in the room.
One reporter inquired about 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 out of their trenches and 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 asked Trump, “What does U.S. intelligence believe, 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 as the reporter persisted in her questioning.
“John might have the information,” Hegseth responded, alluding to CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
“I would suggest asking John, perhaps, to elaborate on it, if you wish,” Trump advised the reporter. “John?”
“Mr. President, it is clear that the use of chemical weapons – when documented – is illegal,” Ratcliffe stated in response to the president. “Such actions contravene all international laws governing armed conflict and treaties. Furthermore, I am unable to disclose in this setting the intelligence that I can share with you in a private discussion. However, it is evident that you will not permit any breaches of international law by any party.”
“Indeed,” Trump replied. “Thank you.”