Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has privately discussed the idea of running for political office next year in Tennessee, according to two people who have spoken directly with him about it.
If Hegseth were to follow through on the discussions, it would amount to a major leadership shake-up at the department that oversees the American military and millions of federal employees. The Defense Department bars civilian employees from running for political office, meaning Hegseth would have to resign to do so.
Would have to resign to do so? Says who? Says the law? Never heard of 'em.
It’s not a matter of have to. A political office in TN is a notable step down from SecDec. There’s nothing he would want to accomplish there that he couldn’t in the White House. He wouldn’t be talking about it if he thought his position was secure.