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Hegseth jumping the Trump ship? Pentagon too hot to handle, report says he mulls guv role
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth delivers an address at the Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on May 31, 2025.- AP
Five individuals served as Donald Trump's defence secretary in full or acting capacity during his first presidency from 2017 to 2020. The Pentagon job in a Donald Trump administration has not been an easy one. Now, an American media report suggests that the incumbent US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is finding the Pentagon job too hot to handle.
Hegseth has reportedly held private discussions about launching a political campaign in Tennessee, potentially for the 2026 gubernatorial race. According to NBC News, two individuals who spoke directly with Hegseth confirmed that these talks were serious in nature, exploring campaign logistics, eligibility concerns and his chances of winning.
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One of the sources specified that the conversation occurred within the past three weeks, reflecting the timeliness and intent behind the deliberations.
Although no official decision has been made, the possibility of a run by Hegseth, a former Fox News host and Army National Guard officer, raises the prospect of a significant shake-up at the Department of Defence. Federal law prohibits civilian Pentagon employees from seeking political office, meaning Hegseth would be required to resign before entering the race.
Eligibility hurdles in Tennessee
If Hegseth were to proceed with a gubernatorial bid, he could face substantial eligibility challenges. Tennessee law mandates that candidates for governor must have resided in the state for at least seven years. Public records link Hegseth to a suburban Nashville property purchased around mid-2022, suggesting he falls short of that requirement, NBC News reported.
Furthermore, Tennessee Republican Party bylaws stipulate that a primary candidate must have voted in three of the last four statewide GOP primaries in which they were eligible. These provisions have been used in the past to block high-profile candidates, including former State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus in 2022.
Denials and mixed signals
Despite these speculation, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell strongly denied the NBC report, dismissing it as fabricated. He stated unequivocally that Hegseth remains focused on serving under President Trump and advancing the administration's priorities.
Some within Hegseth's inner circle support this denial. One individual who spoke with him recently claimed that the defence secretary had been 'very, very clear' in rejecting the idea of a campaign, labelling it 'totally off the table', the NBC News said. Additionally, a longtime Trump adviser familiar with Hegseth's political considerations asserted that the defence secretary had no plans to run in Tennessee.
Mounting pressures and scandals
However, the political speculation comes during a tumultuous time for Hegseth at the Pentagon. Since taking office in January, his tenure has been marred by controversy. As reported by both the Daily Mail, Hegseth has faced internal backlash, abrupt staff dismissals and increasing scrutiny over his leadership style.
A particularly damaging incident dubbed 'Signalgate' involved Hegseth reportedly sharing sensitive military plans over the encrypted messaging app Signal—on a group chat that included a journalist. Although the Pentagon has denied that any classified material was involved, the Office of the Inspector General is set to release a report that may determine whether federal law was violated.
Three Pentagon sources told the Daily Mail that an internal letter, penned by current and former staff, could soon be made public. It reportedly criticises Hegseth's decision-making as 'reckless and uninformed,' highlighting his failure to consult legal or intelligence officials on key actions.
White House divided
While President Trump has publicly voiced support for Hegseth, praising his leadership in military operations like Operation Midnight Hammer, many claim that frustration has grown behind the scenes. Trump is said to be displeased with the fallout from the Signal incident and with Hegseth's inconsistent policy positions, especially regarding aid to Ukraine, which Hegseth suspended multiple times before being overruled by the White House.
The New York Times and Politico also reported ongoing tensions between Hegseth and top military officials, particularly over personnel appointments seen as politically motivated.
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Future possibilities
If Hegseth were to step down, Trump has several replacement options, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby—both Senate-confirmed and eligible to serve as acting defence secretary without additional hearings, NBC News said.
In Tennessee, Hegseth would face formidable competition within the GOP. Representative John Rose has already announced his campaign, self-financing with $5 million. Senator Marsha Blackburn, a veteran politician with strong influence in Tennessee, is also rumoured to be weighing a bid.
While public denials continue to counter speculation, the private conversations and timing of Hegseth's political interest amid scandals and mounting institutional pressure suggest that a potential shift to Tennessee politics remains on the table. Whether this marks a genuine aspiration or a strategic exit from a troubled tenure at the Pentagon, remains to be seen. For now, the defence secretary's future remains one of Washington's most closely watched uncertainties.
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