'He's Doing a Fantastic Job': Trump Responds to Talk of Hegseth Running for President in 2028
Trump has shown reluctance in naming his successor, but he previously expressed interest in a potential ticket boasting Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
President Donald Trump responded to rumors that his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was contemplating a run for the presidency in 2028. "I think he's doing a fantastic job, but it's very early to talk about that," Trump said when asked if he would endorse Hegseth. Trump also noted that "we have to get through the midterms first" and suggested "there's a lot of people considering" running for the presidency that reporters "don't know about."
Hegseth denied the reports, stating "100% false" and insisting his "only job" is to "make the Department of War great again." The controversy surrounding Hegseth's potential bid comes amid criticism of the Iran war's duration and cost, and following the resignations of several key officials in his department, including Army Secretary Dan Driscoll and other high-ranking generals.
Trump's interest in a potential ticket with Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio has been previously reported, but he has not officially endorsed either candidate. Recent polls suggest that Vance and Rubio are leading contenders for the Republican ticket.
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