Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is mulling over the possibility of running for office, meaning he would have to resign from his post at the Pentagon, according to two sources,
Two sounces have said he has spoken to them about running for governor of Tennessee next year, NBC News reported.
If he chooses to seek office, Hegseth would have to resign since the Defense Department does not allow civilian employees to run for office.
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, responded to the rumor with a statement.
“Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump,” he said.
Both of the sources said they had serious conversations with Hegseth on the matter. On source said that person’s talk with Hegseth happened within the past three weeks; the other said their conversation was held since Hegseth became defense secretary in January.
One source said the talked about eligibility requirements to run for that office as well as his chances of winning.
The other source said they talked about campaigning.
Tennessee has an open race for governor in 2026. However, Hegseth may not meet all the requirements.
“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 ran for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota in 2012, but withdrew after he did not get the GOP nomination.
