President Donald Trump addressed speculation Monday regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s possible candidacy in the 2028 presidential election.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump praised Hegseth but said it was too early to discuss the contest.
“I think he’s doing a fantastic job, but it’s very early to talk about that,” Trump said. “We have to get through the midterms first.” Trump added that Hegseth was “a very good guy” and said: “I’ll bet there’s a lot of people considering it that you don’t know about.”
He also said Hegseth was currently focused on “the military and taking care of the military.” The speculation followed an NBC News report that Hegseth had discussed a possible White House campaign.
Hegseth subsequently described that report as “100% false.”
Separately, Army Secretary Dan Driscoll submitted his resignation Monday after 18 months in office, according to the White House. Officials did not provide a reason for his departure, although tensions between Driscoll and Hegseth have been widely reported.
