Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday denied a report that he is considering a presidential bid in 2028, calling the claim '100% false' in a social media post. The denial came after an NBC report cited 'two people familiar with the conversations' as claiming Hegseth had told close friends and associates he was weighing a run to succeed President Donald Trump. Hegseth stated his sole focus is leading the Department of War, adding, 'My only job: Make @DeptofWar Great Again.'
Vice President JD Vance is facing criticism from allies who allege an 'operation' to undermine his potential 2028 presidential ambitions. A source close to Vance told The Bulwark that an 'extremely well-funded campaign' has targeted the vice president over his stance on negotiations with Iran and other policy positions. Vance, speaking on The Joe Rogan Experience podcast last month, described the criticism as an attempt to derail any U.S.-Iran agreement, noting the campaign has promoted arguments against negotiations and in favor of military action. The ally characterized the effort as a 'Never Vance op' led by 'establishment neocon operatives and media voices,' citing coordinated social media activity as evidence of its orchestrated nature.
Meanwhile, Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) is emerging as a potential figurehead for anti-abortion advocates dissatisfied with the Trump administration’s approach. Hawley and his wife, Erin Hawley, have spearheaded legislative and legal efforts to restrict abortion access, including a push to withdraw FDA approval for mifepristone. Erin Hawley has argued against medication abortion access in Supreme Court cases, while Hawley introduced the Safeguarding Women from Chemical Abortion Act in March, which would revoke the drug’s approval. The Missouri senator’s Love Life Initiative, launched in December 2025, has highlighted anti-abortion ballot measures nationwide. Former Vice President Mike Pence’s chief of staff, Marc Short, suggested Hawley’s record could position him as a leader for the movement if the administration continues to diverge from its prior stances.
Speculation about the 2028 Republican presidential field has intensified, with Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) publicly asserting his own ambitions. Cruz, who has criticized the idea of anointing Vance as the party’s nominee, stated on Wednesday, 'It’s no secret that I want to be president.' Other potential candidates include Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL), though neither has confirmed plans to run. A recent poll by Polymark gave Vance a 48% chance of winning the GOP nomination, compared to Rubio’s 17%, reflecting his current frontrunner status. Hegseth’s denial follows his high-profile appearance in Iowa, a state critical to early primary contests, which had fueled speculation about his intentions.