Pete Hegseth is talking about a possible run for president in 2028, sources say

U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has strongly denied an NBC News report that he has been privately discussing a potential run for president in 2028 with close friends and associates . "100% false," Hegseth posted on X, accusing NBC of relying on anonymous sources to spread lies . Chief Pentagon Spokesman Sean Parnell also dismissed the report, stating Hegseth's "main priority is leading the War Department" and calling the speculation "foolish" . The NBC report, citing two anonymous sources, claimed Hegseth and his wife had been considering the idea for months, believing his combative style and appeal to the MAGA base could fuel a campaign . Speculation was further fueled by Hegseth's recent appearance at the Iowa State Fair, a key state in the Republican primary calendar, where he campaigned for a vulnerable House Republican and used a derogatory term for transgender people . Early polling shows him as a long-shot contender compared to leading potential candidates like Vice President JD Vance .