According to US media, close advisers to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are privately urging him to consider running for president in 2028, although he publicly denies having such ambitions. His advisers believe that his strong and masculine image can attract voters who support the MAGA movement, especially if J. Dee Vance will decide not to run. However, Hesseth faces major obstacles, including political inexperience, weak ties to donors, scandals involving the War Department and his support for the unpopular war with Iran. Heseth also has a problem with widespread suspicions that he struggles with alcohol abuse, after he was caught drinking in his office despite promising on the day of the appointment to stop drinking.

According to US media, close advisers to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth are privately urging him to consider running for president in 2028, although he publicly denies having such ambitions. His advisers believe that his strong and masculine image can attract voters who support the MAGA movement, especially if J. Dee Vance will decide not to run. However, Hesseth faces major obstacles, including political inexperience, weak ties to donors, scandals involving the War Department and his support for the unpopular war with Iran. Heseth also has a problem with widespread suspicions that he struggles with alcohol abuse, after he was caught drinking in his office despite promising on the day of the appointment to stop drinking.