Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed reports of a potential presidential candidacy in 2028 as “100% false.” NBC News had reported discussions with his close associates about a campaign. Hegseth accused the outlet of using anonymous sources after he deemed the claims inaccurate. On X, he posted, “My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again.”
With the 2028 Republican presidential field under speculation, figures from President Donald Trump’s administration are highlighted as potential contenders. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are noteworthy mentions. Others, like Donald Trump Jr. and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, are also speculated to be in the mix.
Newsweek reached out to the White House for further comments. NBC News suggested that Hegseth and his wife had considered his potential candidacy, believing his conservative appeal and popularity with Trump’s base might support a campaign. His attendance at the Iowa State Fair, known as an early presidential campaign venue, added to the speculations.
Hegseth allies argue against the NBC report. Sean Parnell, Chief Pentagon spokesman, stated, “Secretary Hegseth is not running for President, and his main priority is leading the War Department.” Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, acknowledged his contributions under Trump. Despite denials, Hegseth’s appearances ahead of the 2026 midterms have increased, like his trip to Kentucky to campaign against Representative Thomas Massie.
If Hegseth pursues a 2028 candidacy, challenges could arise. The ongoing unpopular war in Iran and controversy over military discussions on Signal—dubbed Signalgate—pose potential hurdles. NBC News highlighted these issues alongside Trump’s influence over the Republican Party and considerations about his successors.
Though Hegseth currently denies preparing for a 2028 presidential run, speculation about his political future persists as the Republicans prepare for the post-Trump era. The 2028 election is more than two years away, and the political landscape is likely to undergo significant changes.
2028 Polling Insights
Initial polling indicates Hegseth as an unlikely candidate compared to main Republican figures. A CPAC straw poll earlier this year showed Vance leading with 53%, while Rubio had 35%, and Hegseth reached only 1%. The poll included 1,630 attendees from March 25 to March 28.
National data also places Vance, Rubio, and Trump Jr. ahead. An Echelon Insights poll showed Vance with 39%, followed by Rubio at 22%, DeSantis at 10%, Trump Jr. at 8%, and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. at 3%. Conducted with 1,002 likely voters from August 13-17, it had a 3.4% margin of error.
Emerson College Polling’s survey last month recorded Vance with 39%, Rubio closely behind at 38%, DeSantis at 5%, and 9% undecided. The poll involved 1,100 likely voters from July 19-20, with a credibility interval of 2.9%.