Hegseth Denies Presidential Bid Plans Amid NBC Report

American Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has categorically rejected reports published by NBC News stating he is contemplating a candidacy for the U.S. presidency in the 2028 election.

In a post on the social media platform X, Hegseth stated: “This is an absolute lie. We told NBC this, but they continue to lie through anonymous sources. My sole mission is to make the Department of Defense great again.”

NBC’s reporting on Hegseth’s potential candidacy

Earlier on Friday, NBC News cited unnamed sources in reporting that Hegseth had discussed the possibility of running for president in 2028 with his inner circle.

Trump’s reported preference for Vance

Separately, The Washington Post, also citing unnamed sources, reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump told Republican Party donors in private conversations that he wants to see his vice-presidential running mate, J.D. Vance, as the party’s nominee in the upcoming presidential election.