PoliticsPete Hegseth Privately Discussing Presidential Run for 2028: Report
Pete Hegseth is the current secretary of defense.
Aug. 29 2026, Published 9:59 a.m. ET
Defense secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly privately discussing a possible run for president in the 2028 election.
Sources told NBC News on Friday, August 28, the 46-year-old politician and his wife, Jennifer Hegseth, have both brought up the idea with their inner circle over the past several months.
Pete Hegseth Is Beloved by MAGA
Reports recently indicated Pete Hegseth was considering a presidential run in 2028.
“Hegseth is good for men, for base voters. He encapsulates that masculinity that [President Donald] Trump captured in 2024," a Republican insider involved in the party’s midterms told the outlet.
“MAGA really loves Hegseth,” another pro-Donald associate said, adding Pete would have “to deliver the goods.”
“If you want to be secretary of war, you’ve got to win wars,” the individual noted.
The Pentagon Denied Pete Hegseth's Potential Presidential Run
Pete Hegseth also denied NBC's recent report on social media.
American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp also gave his two cents on the matter, telling the network: “Pete Hegseth should consider running for president. He’s an impressive guy and has a tremendous amount of energy.”
However, the Pentagon denied the claims as “foolish” when they were approached by NBC.
“Secretary Hegseth is not running for president, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish," the Defense Department's headquarters said.
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'MAGA really loves Hegseth,' a source told NBC about the politician.
The former Fox News contributor's potential run for president in 2028 could put him directly against rumored contenders: Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Pete then blasted NBC's reporting in a scathing tweet on X, writing: "100% false. We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous 'sources.' My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again. Carry on Patriots, and enjoy your Friday night."
As for Jennifer, 46, she frequently accompanies her husband during official meetings as she's reportedly one of his most influential advisors.
Pete and Jennifer Hegseth Married in 2019
Jennifer Hegseth has been standing by her husband's side during his political career.
The New York Times previously reported that Jennifer — who married Pete in 2019 — is often by his side because he relies on her to help keep him out of trouble following years of public backlash over past allegations about his drinking.
“It’s bonkers that a defense secretary would involve his wife in his sensitive official duties, including sharing details of an impending military operation, and face zero consequences,” former Pentagon chief spokesperson, John Ullyot, told the outlet earlier this month.
“Any president deserves better judgment from his national security leaders," John added.
Pete has also credited his wife with keeping him in check, telling Megyn Kelly in 2024: “My Jenny, my wife, Jennifer, changed my life, saved me, there’s just no doubt about it.”
