Pete Hegseth Eyes Tennessee Governor Run Amid Pentagon Turmoil
Pete Hegseth, 2021. Photo by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has allegedly been exploring a political exit strategy that could shake up both Washington and Tennessee. According to multiple sources, Hegseth reportedly considered resigning from his Pentagon post to run for governor in Tennessee's 2026 election. This development comes amid ongoing turmoil at the Department of Defense and the fallout from what has been widely referred to as the "Signalgate" scandal, raising concerns about whether personal ambition is interfering with national security during a critical period for the Trump administration.
A Quiet Political Plot
Two individuals who claim to have spoken directly with Hegseth say the defense secretary privately discussed a potential gubernatorial bid in Tennessee, where he currently resides, according to the Intelligencer. These conversations reportedly took place as recently as July 2025. They involved serious considerations about the practicalities of launching a campaign, including eligibility requirements and the need to resign from his civilian role at the Pentagon before running for office.
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told NBC News that the reports are either "fake news" or a "made up story," insisting that Hegseth's focus "remains solely on serving under President Trump and advancing the America First mission at the Department of Defense." Parnell also dismissed the sources behind the story, saying, "Only two options exist: either the 'sources' are imaginary or these reporters are getting punked."
Conflicting accounts have emerged. While some sources describe the discussions as serious and ongoing, others close to Hegseth say he was "very, very clear" that he would not run, calling the idea "totally off the table," according to The Independent. This contradiction highlights the uncertainty surrounding his political intentions.
Tennessee Residency Requirement
Hegseth's political ambitions face a significant legal obstacle. Tennessee law requires candidates for governor to have lived in the state for at least seven years before the election. Public records reportedly indicate Hegseth has only been a resident for about three years, according to NBC News. This could disqualify him from running in 2026.
Despite this, some insiders speculate that Hegseth or his allies might explore ways to navigate or challenge the residency requirement. The upcoming open race, triggered by incumbent GOP Governor Bill Lee's constitutional ban on a third consecutive term, presents a tempting opportunity for a high-profile Republican candidate. Hegseth's name has surfaced as a potential contender, even with the legal and political obstacles.
Turmoil Within the Pentagon
Hegseth's political plotting unfolds amid ongoing chaos at the Pentagon. His tenure has been marked by controversy, including the "Signalgate" scandal, which erupted when top officials accidentally included The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg in a classified Signal group chat. The incident exposed sensitive military plans related to U.S. strikes in Yemen and raised serious questions about Hegseth's judgment and leadership.
The Pentagon's inspector general is currently reviewing Hegseth's actions during the "Signalgate" incident. Reports suggest he shared classified information in an unclassified setting, contradicting his public denials. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell has called the investigation a "political witch hunt" and blamed lingering Biden administration officials for the scrutiny, as reported by the Intelligencer. It is important to note that this investigation is ongoing and no final conclusions have been reached.
Adding to the instability, Hegseth has fired several senior Pentagon aides, including Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick, whom he suspected of leaking information to the media, according to The Independent. These moves have reportedly alienated staff and fueled rumors of internal dissent. Some Pentagon insiders allegedly staged an intervention, urging Hegseth to "get his act together" amid growing concerns about his erratic behavior, according to the Intelligencer.
Ambition Versus National Security
The optics of Hegseth's political ambitions while overseeing the nation's defense are difficult to ignore. At a time when the Pentagon faces serious challenges — from managing international conflicts to internal security breaches — his apparent focus on personal political gain has drawn jeers from critics and unease from allies.
Observers warn that Hegseth's rumored gubernatorial bid could further destabilize the Trump administration's already shaky hold on the Defense Department. His potential departure would trigger a major leadership shake-up, the likes of which have not been seen since the ousting of Joint Chiefs of Staff General Charles Brown earlier in the Trump era.
Moreover, Hegseth's political ambitions raise questions about the balance between public service and personal advancement. Is the defense secretary prioritizing the country's security or his own career trajectory? The timing and secrecy of his political discussions have done little to inspire confidence.
Trump's Support and What Lies Ahead
Despite the controversies, President Trump has publicly stood by Hegseth, even as new scandals have emerged. Trump once predicted that Hegseth would "get it together," but the defense secretary's tenure continues to be marked by missteps and internal strife, according to the Intelligencer.
If Hegseth decides to pursue the Tennessee governorship, he will have to resign from the Pentagon, setting off a political and administrative scramble. Whether he can overcome the residency requirement and mount a viable campaign remains to be seen.
For now, the defense secretary's quiet political plotting adds another layer of uncertainty to an already volatile administration. The line between elite ambition and national security is becoming dangerously blurred, and the consequences could be far-reaching. The nation watches closely as this Pentagon political escape plan unfolds.
References: Hegseth Secretly Discussed Leaving the Pentagon to Run for Office | Pete Hegseth wants out of the Pentagon and is planning to run for office, report says | The Independent | Hegseth for Governor? Someone Wants Him Out of the Pentagon. | Pete Hegseth has discussed running for political office in Tennessee, sources say
