Hegseth rejects '100% false' reports of 2028 presidential bid

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Friday rejected as "100% false" reports that he is considering a 2028 presidential bid, asserting that his "only job" is to lead the Department of Defense. He accused NBC News of fabricating the story based on anonymous sources, insisting he remains focused solely on his Pentagon duties.

The NBC News report, published earlier Friday, claimed that Hegseth had held private discussions with close associates about a potential White House campaign, with sources suggesting that he and his spouse believe his conservative credentials could resonate with MAGA voters. Hegseth responded directly on X, the social media platform. "We told NBC that, but they just lie with anonymous ‘sources’," he wrote, dismissing the speculation while emphasizing his commitment to the Pentagon.

Republican field takes shape

Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are widely considered potential contenders for the 2028 Republican primary, positioning themselves as possible successors to President Donald Trump. A Pentagon spokesperson separately dismissed the claims regarding Hegseth, stating that the Defense Secretary remains fully committed to his duties and will not seek the presidency.

The speculation about Hegseth's ambitions emerges as Trump has frequently floated the idea of a third term in office, despite constitutional prohibition under the 22nd Amendment. The amendment explicitly limits presidents to two elected terms, closing the door on Trump's repeated suggestions of extended leadership.