NBC News, citing two people familiar with the matter, reported Defense Secretary
Pete Hegseth has privately discussed a possible 2028 presidential run with close
associates. Hegseth and his wife believe his hard-line style and conservative
social positions could win support from the MAGA base; he recently campaigned in
Iowa for a Republican congressman, a visit that has fueled speculation.
Potential primary rivals cited include Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary
of State Marco Rubio. A Pentagon spokesman denied the report, saying "Secretary
Hegseth will not run for president" and that his primary duty remains leading
the Defense Department. The report noted the ongoing Iran conflict could be a
political liability for Hegseth — 18 U.S. service members have died — and U.S.
average gasoline prices have risen from under $3/gal to just above $4/gal.
