Hegseth Reportedly Discussed Leaving Pentagon and Running for Office
AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has discussed running for office next year in Tennessee, NBC News reported on Tuesday night.
The report cited two people who talked to Hegseth directly about the matter.
“One of the people said their discussion with Hegseth happened within the past three weeks and that it was serious, not simply spitballing ideas,” NBC News stated. “The other person, who also characterized it as serious, wouldn’t say when they had spoken — except that it was since Hegseth became defense secretary in January.”
If he runs, Hegseth would have to resign from the Pentagon because the department prohibits civilian employees from running for office.
The sources said Hegseth has mentioned a 2026 gubernatorial run in his home state of Tennessee, where Governor Bill Lee is term-limited.
NBC News relayed a statement from Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell, who lashed out at the outlet.
“Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made up story… again,” Parnell said. “Only two options exist: either the ‘sources’ are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked. Secretary Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump and advancing the America First mission at the Department of Defense.”
Hegseth, a former Fox News host, has been a lightning rod of controversy in Washington from the moment President Donald Trump nominated him for the position. Much of the secretary’s confirmation hearing focused on a series of shocking allegations against him, including rape and drinking on the job, both of which he denies. The Senate deadlocked on Hegseth’s nomination, requiring Vice President JD Vance to break the tie to confirm him.
Just two months into his tenure, the secretary became embroiled in the Signal chat scandal, in which then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz accidentally added an Atlantic reporter to a private chat with Hegseth and other top administration officials. In the chat, Hegseth revealed key details about looming U.S. airstrikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen. Staff churn has also been an issue, as in April he lost four in one day. Moreover, the secretary has reportedly become paranoid about leaks in his department.
