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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has reportedly had private discussions about potentially running for office in Tennessee next year, two sources who claimed to have spoken with him directly on the matter confirmed to NBC News.
A potential campaign would lead to a shakeup at the Pentagon as the Defense Department prohibits civilian employees from running for political office, forcing Hegseth to resign from his role as defense secretary. Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesman, downplayed the report, claiming "Hegseth's focus remains solely on serving under President [Donald] Trump."
“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 Defense," Parnell said in a statement.
One of the sources claimed they spoke to Hegseth within the past three weeks and said he had serious thoughts about launching a political campaign. The second source also described their talks with Hegseth as serious, though they didn't clarify when the conversation took place beyond that it happened after Hegseth took over as defense secretary in January.
The two sources, along with others participating in the article, were granted the condition of anonymity while discussing Hegseth's reported aspirations. Hegseth reportedly discussed what it would take to run, with one source claiming he was eyeing the gubernatorial election and his chances of winning, while the other said he pondered the realities of a campaign.