“Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee,“ NBC News reports.
According to the report, Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office in Tennessee next year. If Hegseth decides to pursue a political run, he would be required to resign from his position as Defense Secretary, since the Department of Defense prohibits civilian employees from running for political office. This potential move would result in significant changes in the department’s leadership, given its critical role in overseeing the U.S. military and millions of federal employees.
So, Tennessee, where Hegseth is from, has a gubernatorial race coming up next year. But here’s the thing—there are some eligibility rules for candidates that Hegseth might not qualify for.
Much Ado About Nothing?
Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said via a statement: “Fake news NBC is so desperate for attention, they are shopping around a made-up story… again. Only two options exist: either the ‘sources’ are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked. Secretary Hegseth’s focus remains solely on serving under President Trump and advancing the America First mission at the Department of Defense.”
Also, people close to Hegseth have confidently stated that he has no intention of starting a campaign. A recent conversation with the secretary revealed that despite rumors suggesting he might leave his role as defense secretary to pursue political office in Tennessee, Hegseth was “very, very clear” about not running and dismissed the idea entirely. It’s important to understand that this notion is “totally off the table,” reinforcing his commitment to his current position.
My Take: I don’t think Hegseth is considering a move. However, I DO believe the White House and Republican lawmakers’ confidence in Hegseth as Defense Secretary is shaken, and that MAGA leaders are considering options to reposition Hegseth in another high-profile position that doesn’t require extensive military experience, where he’ll be less of a liability to the country and the Republican Party.
Prediction: If Hegseth persists in his series of missteps as Defense Secretary, it seems inevitable that he and the MAGA Republicans will find a way to justify his transition into another political position, regardless of whether he wants to leave the Defense Department.
One thing is for sure: Hegseth won’t be fired, nor will he resign in disgrace. At least not officially.