Pete Hegseth Denies 2028 Presidential Bid Report

<p>Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday denied a report that he is considering a presidential bid in 2028, amid speculation about potential Republican candidates to succeed President Donald Trump.</p> <p>“100% false. We told NBC that, but they just lie with anonymous ‘sources,’” Hegseth said on social media.</p> <p>Hegseth was responding to an NBC report that claimed he told close friends and associates he is considering a presidential campaign in two years. The report cited “two people familiar with the conversations,” prompting Hegseth's response.</p> <p>The secretary emphasized that he is focused on leading the War Department. “My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again,” he added.</p> <p>Hegseth’s recent appearance in Iowa, which leads the GOP presidential nominating calendar, has fueled rumors about his interest in elected office. He also campaigned for former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, the Republican candidate who defeated Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) earlier this year.</p> <p>If Hegseth were to run, he could join a potentially crowded field alongside his Cabinet-level colleagues. As of late August, Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are viewed as the top two candidates to succeed Trump, although neither has confirmed plans to run. Polymarket assigned Vance a 48% chance of securing the GOP nomination and Rubio a 17% chance as of Friday.</p> <p>Other possible candidates include Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), former Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin, and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL).</p> <p>Earlier this week, Cruz expressed skepticism about the GOP anointing Vance as its nominee, stating that Republicans need to reflect on their future before selecting someone to succeed Trump. Cruz also mentioned, “It’s no secret that I want to be president.”</p> <p>Trump has not yet endorsed a successor, maintaining a strategic position ahead of what is expected to be a competitive race. He has suggested that Vance and Rubio would make a strong ticket and reportedly told donors that “we need to elect JD,” according to the Washington Post.</p> <p>The president referred to Cruz as “a talented guy” when discussing the Texas senator’s presidential ambitions.</p>