Hegseth calls 2028 presidential run claims '100% false' as wife reportedly plots his presidential bid
Pete Hegseth's wife Jennifer has reportedly been central to private discussions about a 2028 White House run that the Defence Secretary brands "100% false.Jennifer Hegseth, a former Fox News producer, reportedly interviews Pentagon job candidates and sits in on meetings with foreign military officers.
Pentagon sources say Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly spent months in private conversations with close friends about a 2028 presidential run — even as the Pentagon was publicly dismissing all such talk as "foolish." Hegseth pushed back on X, labelling the claims "100% false" and insisting his sole focus is making the Department of Defence great again. His wife Jennifer, a former Fox News producer who accompanies him to Pentagon meetings, has reportedly also been raising the presidential idea independently.
Hegseth's appearance at the Iowa State Fair this month — a traditional launchpad for presidential hopefuls — was what set the speculation off.
He has also held back promotions for four Army officers connected to generals he previously dismissed, deepening fears of political purges inside the military.
Retired Lt. Gen. Richard Newton called the blocked promotions "unnecessary, unwarranted and certainly unprecedented," warning they damage good order in the ranks.
