Pete Hegseth Denies Report He's Running For President In 2028: '100% False'

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied a Friday NBC report that he is considering a White House run in 2028, calling the claim “100% false” and pushing back on the outlet’s “anonymous sources.” Hegseth, who previously hosted on Fox News before leading the Pentagon, said he told NBC he wasn’t running, and noted a separate Iowa State Fair appearance was tied to campaigning for Rep. Zach Nunn, R-Iowa. No major candidates have formally declared for 2028, though Sen. Ted Cruz has acknowledged interest, while Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are viewed as leading contenders. Kalshi gives Vance 44% and Rubio 19%.