Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is reportedly weighing a potential run for governor of Tennessee, a move that would force him to resign his position in the Trump administration if he decides to pursue elected office.
According to an NBC News report published Tuesday, two sources familiar with the matter said they held “serious” discussions with Hegseth regarding the possibility of entering the 2026 gubernatorial race. One of the sources said they spoke with Hegseth about eligibility requirements and his electoral chances, while the other discussed the practical “realities” of launching a political campaign.
However, both sources emphasized that it remains unclear whether Pete Hegseth will ultimately run. As a civilian employee of the Department of Defense, Hegseth would be required to step down from his Cabinet post before announcing a candidacy.
The Pentagon swiftly denied the report, issuing a sharp rebuke of NBC’s claims. Defense Department spokesperson Sean Parnell lashed out at the outlet, stating, “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.”
(Tom Williams/Getty Images)
Since his appointment, Hegseth’s tenure at the Pentagon has been marked by a series of missteps and controversies. Once a familiar face as a host on Fox & Friends, Hegseth faced criticism early in his Cabinet career after he shared sensitive information about a planned attack on Yemen in a Signal group chat—unaware that a journalist had been added to the conversation.
In another embarrassing moment, Hegseth was confronted with leaked findings from a classified Pentagon assessment revealing that recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear targets had fallen short of expectations. When questioned by a former Fox News colleague, Hegseth reportedly lashed out in frustration.
A conservative tabloid recently reported that several senior Pentagon officials, citing dysfunction and morale concerns, are preparing to call for Hegseth’s removal in a formal letter. Parnell again dismissed the article, calling it “gossip.”
Although Hegseth owns a home in Tennessee, questions remain about whether he meets the state’s residency requirements to run for office, NBC noted. The 2026 gubernatorial race is wide open, as current Republican Governor Bill Lee is term-limited and ineligible for reelection.
With growing scrutiny over his leadership and uncertainty over his political ambitions, Hegseth’s next move could reshape both his career and the future of Tennessee’s gubernatorial race.