Media: Possible Hegseth run could trigger Pentagon leadership shake-up

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately floated the idea of launching a political campaign in Tennessee next year, according to two individuals who have directly discussed the matter with him — conversations they both described as serious rather than speculative.

Should Hegseth pursue elected office, it would trigger a major disruption at the top of the Pentagon. Federal law prohibits civilian employees at the Department of Defence from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would be required to step down from his post.

In a statement issued in response to the report, Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said, “Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.”

One of the individuals familiar with the matter told NBC News their discussion with Hegseth took place within the past three weeks and emphasised that the secretary was seriously weighing his options. The second source declined to specify when the conversation occurred but confirmed it happened after Hegseth assumed the role of defence secretary in January. Both sources were granted anonymity to speak freely.

The private discussions reportedly focused on the logistics and legal prerequisites for a potential run, including eligibility requirements for the Tennessee governor’s race and Hegseth’s electoral prospects. The sources said Hegseth specifically mentioned the possibility of a gubernatorial campaign in Tennessee, where he resides. The governor’s race will be open next year, though some state-level qualifications may pose a hurdle.

Despite the ongoing chatter, both sources said it remains unclear whether Hegseth will ultimately move forward with a campaign. However, they confirmed he has given the idea considerable thought.

Responding to the rumours, Parnell issued a pointed rebuttal: “Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made-up story… again. 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 Defence.”

Other individuals close to Hegseth also pushed back on the idea. One person who spoke with the secretary last week asked him directly about speculation that he was looking for a political exit. According to that person, Hegseth was “very, very clear” in rejecting the idea, calling it “totally off the table.”

A longtime adviser to former President Trump, who is familiar with discussions around Hegseth’s political future, also told reporters that Hegseth will not be running for office in Tennessee.

Hegseth, a former Army National Guard officer and Fox News personality, is no stranger to electoral politics. He previously ran for the US Senate in Minnesota in 2012, withdrawing after failing to secure the Republican nomination. Notably, Minnesota will also have an open Senate seat in 2026.

The talk of a potential campaign comes amid a turbulent first half-year for Hegseth at the Pentagon. His confirmation process was marred by allegations of financial impropriety, alcohol use, sexual misconduct, and domestic issues with his second wife—all of which he has adamantly denied.

Since taking office, Hegseth has drawn criticism for abruptly dismissing senior staff and fostering what some describe as a climate of chaos at the Department of Defence. His handling of classified military plans has also come under scrutiny following his use of an unsecured Signal group chat to discuss a US operation in Yemen. A report by the Pentagon’s inspector general regarding that incident — specifically, whether classified information was compromised — is expected to be released as early as next month.

In addition, Hegseth suspended military aid to Ukraine on three separate occasions. The White House later reversed each of those decisions, according to NBC News.

While President Trump has publicly stood by his defence chief, sources say he has privately expressed frustration with Hegseth’s leadership. Nonetheless, reporting by Politico suggests that Trump and his close advisers continue to support him. The New York Times recently noted that Hegseth remains at odds with senior military officials over personnel decisions and policy priorities viewed by some as overly partisan.

Should Hegseth opt to leave the Pentagon to pursue political office, Trump would have several options for interim leadership. Potential successors include Army Secretary Dan Driscoll — a close ally of Vice President JD Vance — or Elbridge Colby, the Pentagon’s policy chief. Both have been confirmed by the Senate and could serve as acting defence secretary without requiring a new confirmation process, according to four individuals familiar with internal deliberations.

By Tamilla Hasanova