Hegseth discusses potential presidential run with associates after attending campaign event -report

Jerusalem Post/US PoliticsHegseth reportedly sees himself as appealing to US President Donald Trump's MAGA voter base through similar attributes to the president, NBC reported. Follow us on Google United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appears onstage at a campaign event for Republican candidate for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District Zach Nunn on day five of the Iowa State Fair on August 17, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa.(photo credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images)AUGUST 29, 2026 02:25US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told close friends that he is considering running for president in 2028, NBC reported on Friday night, citing two people familiar with the conversations. Hegseth reportedly sees himself as appealing to US President Donald Trump's MAGA voter base through similar attributes to the president, such as being defiant and being willing to talk on social issues on the campaign trail, according to NBC. Earlier in the month, Hegseth caught attention by attending the Iowa State Fair while campaigning for a Republican congressman there, which NBC reporter Courtney Kube described as "a place where candidates go and showcase themselves in advance of a big run." United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth appears onstage at a campaign event for Republican candidate for Iowa's 3rd Congressional District Zach Nunn on day five of the Iowa State Fair on August 17, 2026 in Des Moines, Iowa. (credit: Leon Neal/Getty Images)Hegseth attends campaign eventsThe Iowa State Fair was the second campaign event Hegseth attended this year, months after attending an event in Kentucky to support Trump-endorsed Representative candidate Ed Gallrein over Representative Thomas Massie. "In both cases, he was received well. He was received like a rock star." Kube said.Follow us on Google