RismadarVoice Reporters
August 29, 2026
United States Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied reports that he is considering a presidential campaign in 2028, describing the claims as “100 per cent false” amid growing speculation over possible Republican contenders for the next election.
Hegseth rejected the report after NBC News reported that he had discussed a potential presidential bid with close friends and associates.
The Defence Secretary accused the news organisation of relying on anonymous sources, despite being told the report was inaccurate.
“My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again,” Hegseth wrote on X, while dismissing the reports about his political ambitions.
The report comes as discussions over the future of the Republican Party intensify, with several members of President Donald Trump’s administration being mentioned as possible candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
Among the leading names being considered are Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Other Republicans reportedly being discussed include Donald Trump Jr. and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis.
According to NBC News, Hegseth had privately discussed the possibility of running for president with associates, with reports suggesting that he and his wife, Jennifer, had considered whether his conservative views, public profile and support among Trump’s political base could support a presidential campaign.
His recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair, where he campaigned for Republican Representative Zach Nunn, also increased speculation due to Iowa’s importance as an early presidential voting state.
However, Hegseth’s allies have rejected the claims.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said Hegseth was not preparing for a presidential campaign and remained focused on leading the Department of War.
“Secretary Hegseth is not running for President, and his main priority is leading the War Department. All other speculation is foolish,” Parnell said.
White House officials also praised Hegseth’s performance under President Trump, according to reports.
Despite the denial, Hegseth has made several political appearances ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, including campaigning for Republican candidates.
Political analysts say a possible 2028 presidential campaign could present challenges for Hegseth, including controversies surrounding his time in government and public debates over US military actions abroad.
He was previously involved in controversy over discussions regarding planned military strikes on Yemen, which took place on the Signal messaging platform, an issue that became known as “Signalgate”.
The Republican presidential race remains uncertain, with President Trump’s influence expected to play a major role in determining potential successors.
Trump has previously mentioned JD Vance and Marco Rubio as possible future leaders of the party, describing a potential ticket involving the two as a strong combination.
EARLY POLLS FAVOUR VANCE AND RUBIO
Early opinion polls show Hegseth currently trailing behind other potential Republican candidates.
A Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) straw poll conducted earlier this year showed Vice President JD Vance leading with 53 per cent support, followed by Marco Rubio with 35 per cent.
Hegseth received one per cent support in the poll.
Another survey by Echelon Insights placed Vance ahead with 39 per cent support, while Rubio followed with 22 per cent. Ron DeSantis recorded 10 per cent, Donald Trump Jr. had eight per cent, and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. received three per cent.
An Emerson College poll also showed a close contest between Vance and Rubio, with the two leading possible contenders ahead of other Republican figures.
With the 2028 presidential election still more than two years away, political analysts say the Republican field could change significantly as candidates position themselves for the post-Trump era.
