Pete Hegseth reportedly considering 2028 bid, setting up cabinet showdown

Donald Trump has been publicly speaking about an unconstitutional third term as president, but his biggest opponents may be the three men closest to him.

Both Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are rumoured to be jumping in the 2028 presidential election race.

And now Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is floating the possibility of his own candidacy, according to reports.

Hegseth has spoken with friends and associates about running for president, NBC reported.

Hegseth himself has denied the reports, which is typical for politicians at this stage in the cycle even if they do end up running.

"100% false," he wrote on X.

"We told NBC that, but they just lie w/ anonymous 'sources.'"

Trump was also asked about the rumours.

"I think he’s doing a fantastic job, but it’s very early to talk about that," the president said.

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"I think he’s a very good guy, but I bet there’s a lot of people considering it that you don’t know about.

"You have a lot of people, and he’s done a great job, but right now all he loves and all he cares about is the military and taking care of the military."

If Hegseth does jump into the race, it would create a lot of drama in the cabinet.

But Trump enjoys watching those around him jostling with ambition, and will likely do little to temper rivalries within his inner circle.

Vance is the likeliest candidate to run for president and will enter the race as the frontrunner.

Most vice presidents go for the top job themselves, and there's little reason for Vance to sit the race out.

Rubio does have a strong fan base within the Republican party, with many in the base finding him preferable to Vance.

But Hegseth would be a formidable opponent on the grounds of his pugilistic nature.

More than any other cabinet member, Hegseth has been the most willing to throw punches on behalf of the president.

And the trio may end up throwing punches at each other if they get into the same race.

In an administration known for its leaks to the press, all three may be digging up dirt on each other.

Hegseth will, however, have some tough questions to answer.

Outside of his current position, he has not worked in politics or held elected office. 

After serving as an infantry officer in Iraq and Afghanistan, he co-hosted a weekend morning program on Fox News.

As Secretary of Defence, he is intrinsically attached to Trump's unpopular war with Iran, which is showing little sign of abating.

And supply problems aboard US warships like the USS Abraham Lincoln will be pinned on him during the race.

Hegseth was also accused of sexually assaulting a woman in 2017. He denied wrongdoing but confirmed he paid her $US50,000 as part of a settlement.

His history of heavy drinking will also come under the spotlight.

An FBI background check cited an alleged incident where Hegseth got so drunk at a strip club while dressed in a military uniform that he had to be carried out of the venue by his brother.

Getting drunk in uniform is a violation of military laws.

Hegseth would likely have to resign from the cabinet if he wanted to run for president.

A sitting cabinet member has not been elected president since Herbert Hoover in 1928.

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Candidates usually do not announce bids for the White House until after the midterm elections in November.

Democrats will be going into 2028 with the wind at their backs, unless Trump can reverse his dire approval ratings.

Democrats considering presidential bids include former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg and Governors Josh Shapiro, Gretchen Whitmer and Gavin Newsom.