How Hegseth’s Pentagon tenure is shaping his possible political future

President Donald Trump called off a planned livestream of the firing-squad execution of Nidal Hasan, the convicted Fort Hood shooter, after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced it. The reversal, which followed criticism from both parties, has drawn attention to the combative television persona Hegseth has built at the Pentagon and to what it could mean for his political prospects, according to CNN.

CNN reports that two Trump advisers saw the livestream as Hegseth courting the president and the MAGA base. Some administration insiders consider the retreat a setback for him. Interviews with more than a dozen officials, allies and operatives indicate that Hegseth has been laying groundwork for a possible career in politics. His wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and several former Fox News producers hold sway over a shrinking inner circle, and some of them have urged a 2028 presidential run, reasoning that JD Vance and Marco Rubio might stay out.

Obstacles are sizable, however. Hegseth has few donor ties, Trump would probably favor Vance, and the unpopular Iran war is hurting Republicans. Pentagon spokesperson Kingsley Wilson said he is not running for president. Sean Parnell, another spokesperson, said Hegseth never discussed the matters CNN raised.

Summarized by PolitiKool from CNN’s reporting. Read the full story at CNN →