CNN reports advisers urged Hegseth to consider 2028 run

Advisers urged Pete Hegseth to consider a 2028 presidential bid, CNN reported, citing people familiar with the discussions. The Pentagon denied that he had such plans.

Spokesperson Kingsley Wilson told the network that Hegseth was not running for president and was focused on leading the department. Sean Parnell also rejected CNN's account of the discussions.

Tennessee Republican Party chairman Scott Golden told CNN he hoped Hegseth would consider running for office at some level. State party representatives said the secretary had taken no concrete steps to prepare a campaign.