'He's Doing a Fantastic Job': Trump Responds to Talk of Hegseth Running for President in 2028

President Donald Trump alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a meeting at Camp David on July 31, 2026. —Aaron Schwartz—Getty Images President Donald Trump has responded to talk that his Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering a presidential run in 2028.

“I think he's doing a fantastic job, but it's very early to talk about that,” Trump said Monday when asked if he would support Hegseth in such an event.

“We have to get through the midterms first, and I think he's a very good guy.” Trump went on to suggest “there's a lot of people considering” running that reporters “don’t know about.” “Right now, all [Hegseth] loves is, and all he cares about is, the military and taking care of the military,” Trump concluded, referencing the Iran war, which surpassed the six-month mark last week.

NBC reported Friday that Hegseth was talking about a possible run for President in 2028 and had told close friends and associates of such plans, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

Hegeseth later called the reporting “100% false” and insisted his “only job” is to “make the Department of War great again.” Hegseth has been under the spotlight in recent months, amid mounting criticism from lawmakers over the duration and cost of the Iran war.

He’s also facing upheaval in his department.

Army Secretary Dan Driscoll resigned from his position Monday, following reported disagreements with Hegseth .

His departure follows that of other key figures, such as former Army chief of staff Gen.

Randy George, who left his position in April, Gen.

Christopher Donahue, the former commander for the U.S.

Army in Europe and Africa, who left his in June after just 18 months in the job.

Hegseth, meanwhile, is just the latest senior Trump Administration official to be linked with a Presidential bid for 2028.

Trump has previously shown support for a Vance-Rubio ticket Trump has shown reluctance in naming his successor, but he has expressed interest in a potential ticket boasting his Vice President J.D.

Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio .