Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Trump Calls Hegseth 2028 Succession Talk Very Early
Donald Trump was asked whether Pete Hegseth might run for president in 2028.
Trump said Hegseth is doing a fantastic job but that it is too early to discuss a campaign.
Trump said Republicans need to focus first on the midterm elections in November.
Those elections will determine whether Republicans keep control of both chambers of Congress.
An NBC News report said Hegseth had discussed a possible White House run.
Hegseth denied the report and called it 100% false.
Trump said Hegseth is currently focused on the military.
Trump has not selected someone to lead his political movement after he leaves office in 2029.
Donald Trump said it is too early to discuss Pete Hegseth as a possible 2028 presidential candidate.
Trump said Republicans must first get through November’s midterm elections while seeking to retain control of Congress.
Hegseth called an NBC News report about his presidential ambitions “100% false.”
Trump praised Hegseth’s performance and said the defense secretary currently cares about the military.
Trump has not chosen a successor for his Make America Great Again movement; JD Vance and Marco Rubio are also mentioned as possible contenders.
- Who
- President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth are central; JD Vance and Marco Rubio are also mentioned as possible 2028 contenders.
- What
- Trump said it is too early to discuss Hegseth as a potential 2028 presidential candidate.
- When
- Monday, August 31; the articles also refer to November’s midterm elections and Trump leaving office in 2029.
- Where
- Trump made the remarks in the Oval Office; Hegseth campaigned for Republicans at the Iowa State Fair.
- Why
- Trump said Republicans must first get through the midterm elections, while Hegseth denied discussing a presidential campaign.
Campaign Speculation
Denial and Caution
Whether Hegseth is considering a 2028 run
Campaign Speculation
An NBC News report said Hegseth had discussed a potential White House campaign, and his Republican campaigning at the Iowa State Fair added to speculation.
Denial and Caution
Hegseth called the report “100% false,” while Trump said it was very early to discuss Hegseth as a successor.
Trump’s political succession
Campaign Speculation
Supporters of JD Vance and Marco Rubio have encouraged them to run and potentially succeed Trump as leaders of the Make America Great Again movement.
Denial and Caution
Trump has not named a successor and said Hegseth is currently focused on the military rather than a presidential campaign.
- President
- Donald Trump
- Defense secretary
- Pete Hegseth
- Potential election
- 2028 U.S. presidential election
- Upcoming elections
- November midterm elections
- Hegseth’s response
- He called the report about his presidential ambitions “100% false.”
- Trump’s succession plans
- Trump has not named a successor to lead the Make America Great Again movement after he leaves office in 2029.
- Other potential contenders
- JD Vance and Marco Rubio have been encouraged by supporters to run.
