Posted on 07/29/2025 6:34:06 PM PDT by MinorityRepublican
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, according to two people who have spoken directly with him about it.
If Hegseth were to follow through on the discussions, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employees. The Defense Department bars civilian employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so.
In a statement, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said, “Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump.”
One of the people said their discussion with Hegseth happened within the past three weeks and that it was serious, not simply spitballing ideas. 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. The two sources, along with others in this article, were granted anonymity to speak candidly.
The discussions centered on what it would take to run. One person said they discussed the eligibility requirements to run for governor of Tennessee and Hegseth’s chances of winning. The other person said they talked with Hegseth about the realities of a campaign.
The people who have spoken with Hegseth said he has specifically mentioned a possible campaign for governor in Tennessee, where he lives. The state has an open race for governor next year, though there are eligibility requirements for candidates that Hegseth might not meet.
(Excerpt) Read more at nbcnews.com ...
He’ll lose if he runs, even though he’d be GREAT in office.
He’s already thinking of leaving this position, mere months after Trump fought so hard to get him accepted?
Maybe he’s looking at how Bongino is also thinking of moving on.
We need this fine man as Secretary of Defense.
I hope he stays in that position.
Yes, what you said. I am not buying that there was any serious conversation.
My thoughts exactly
LOL!
ALWAYS trust NBC!!! 😃😄🤣
Why is he doing this and why are his people talking about it?
Trump could possibly be trying to ease him out gracefully like with Vivek.
We’d love to have him here in TN, but- hate that he’s being so open about it just 6 months as SecDef. We need him there. He has great momentum.
That really stinks.
Both is BS…political theater.
And why are you talking about something that’s BS?
Exactly…and yet so many here are so quick to believe it….
too many of these supposed patriots or good people just want a shoe in the door to power and really don’t care about doing the job they were called to do. SO many swear to serve then jump to the next thing before completing the first.
Let’s see...sources say from Nothing But Crap (NBC)? LOL! Yeah, right.
If he resigns to run I will not be voting for him...
Finish the job you have first !!!
Fake news to weaken Hegseth and Trump.
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