NBC News: Pentagon Chief May Resign

• 30.07.2025, 9:16

A reason has been given.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is considering a run for governor of Tennessee. If that does happen, he would have to resign from the Pentagon.

According to NBC News.

According to the publication, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee.

If Hegseth realizes these plans, it will lead to major personnel changes in the department, which controls the U.S. military and millions of federal employees. As you know, the US Department of Defense prohibits employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so.

It is worth noting that in a statement, the Pentagon's chief spokesman Sean Parnell noted that Hegseth is now focused solely on serving under US President Donald Trump.

In the meantime, one of the publication's anonymous sources said their conversation with Hegseth took place over the past three weeks and was serious, not just an exchange of ideas.

The discussion centered on what it takes to run for office, specifically the requirements for prospective candidates and the realities of campaigning.

The anonymous sources, who they specify spoke with Hegseth, said he specifically mentioned a possible campaign for governor of Tennessee, where he resides.

It's worth adding that that state will hold an open election for governor next year. However, there are requirements for candidates that Hegseth may not meet.

It should be noted that Trump named Hegseth as his nominee for Defense Secretary as early as last November.

Already in January of this year, the U.S. Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the new Secretary of Defense.