- US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and his wife have reportedly discussed a potential 2028 presidential bid with friends and associates, according to sources.
- The Pentagon and Hegseth have strongly denied the report, with Hegseth calling it completely false and maintaining that his sole priority is leading the War Department.
- Political speculation intensified following Hegseth's recent visit to the Iowa State Fair, a traditional stop for presidential hopefuls, to campaign for Representative Zach Nunn.
- Current 2028 Republican speculation largely centres on Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, with Vance leading recent straw polls.
- Any potential campaign by Hegseth would face scrutiny over low public support for the ongoing war with Iran and military operations in Latin America.
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