Trump Dampens Talk of Hegseth's Potential 2028 Run

President Trump praised Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but declined to back a 2028 presidential run, calling it too early. Retired Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling separately said Hegseth lacks the credentials to serve as commander in chief.

• Trump told the Washington Examiner: 'It's very early to talk about that.'
• 2 people familiar with conversations told NBC News that Hegseth has floated a 2028 bid.
• Hegseth called the reports '100% false' and said his focus is the Pentagon.
• The New York Times reported Hegseth is blocking promotions of 4 Army officers.

Why it matters: The promotion dispute and Hegseth's campaign activity are raising questions about his conduct as Pentagon chief.

• Hertling said the Army promotion system is meant to be apolitical and merit-based.
• Hertling said Hegseth's interference is 'roiling the morale' of senior Army ranks.

How 11 sources split on this story

Where they split: The core dispute is whether Hegseth's Pentagon record is a disqualifying liability or evidence of the aggressive reform Trump wants.

What’s next: Trump said the immediate priority is the 2026 midterms and the Iran conflict.

• Sen. Ted Cruz and other Republicans have also signaled 2028 interest.
• Will Hegseth formally declare or rule out a 2028 run before the midterms?
• Do the blocked Army promotions violate federal law or Pentagon policy, and will Congress investigate?