Pete Hegseth’s latest political moves are fuelling speculation that Donald Trump’s defence secretary could be eyeing a 2028 presidential run. His August 17 trip to Iowa, where he campaigned for Republican Representative Zach Nunn, has drawn attention because Iowa plays a major role in the presidential primary calendar. Hegseth also recently campaigned in South Carolina, another key early-voting state. Sources reportedly claim he wants to become president, but he has made no formal announcement. A potential Hegseth bid could put him against Vice President J.D. Vance, while also creating an awkward political clash with Trump over his eventual successor.
