According to the US newspaper The Hill, on August 31 local time, US President Donald Trump told reporters in the Oval Office of the White House that it is still too early to discuss the possibility of Defense Secretary Hagel running for president in 2028.
"I think he did a great job," Trump responded when asked about rumors that Herschel Walker would run for president. "But it's still too early to talk about this."
He said: "We must first get through the mid-term elections."
He continued, “I think he’s a very good person, but I’m sure there are many people you don’t know who are also considering this… There are many candidates, and he has done an excellent job. But right now, the only thing he cares about is the military and taking care of the military.”
The American Broadcasting Company (NBC) recently reported that Hagee is privately discussing the possibility of running in the 2028 presidential elections. This could add another key figure to the power struggle within Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement.
But the Pentagon outright denied these claims in an interview with NBC, calling them “stupid.” A spokesperson said, “Secretary Hagel did not intend to run for president. His primary task is to lead the Department of War. All other speculation is stupid.”
Screenshot of Hegse's tweet
After NBC reported the story, Haggess also denied the claims. “100% false,” he posted on X, “We have told NBC, but they are just lying using anonymous ‘sources’.”
According to reports, several of Trump’s allies, including Heggseth, Vice President Wilson, and Secretary of State Rubio, are considered strong candidates for the 2028 presidential election.
Last week, when asked whether his former opponent and later ally—Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz—might run for election, Trump praised Cruz: “I think he might do so. He’s a very talented person.”
