Pete Hegseth on his way to the US presidency? The 'personal' visit stirring rumors

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has embarked on a 'personal' visit to Iowa, fueling speculation about his intention to run for president in 2028. The visit, conducted on a military aircraft, is seen as unusual due to his expected involvement in campaigns for Republican candidates, led by Zach Nunn. The Pentagon defended the use of the military plane.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth departed yesterday (Monday) for a visit to Iowa, which the Pentagon defined as a 'personal' trip. According to reports in the US and on CBS, the visit is fueling speculation about his intention to run for president in 2028 or another senior political position upon the end of his tenure in the Trump administration. Hegseth arrived in Iowa on a military aircraft funded by taxpayers, and the Pentagon clarified that by virtue of his position, he is obligated to use military aircraft even on unofficial trips due to the need for secure communications. The trip was originally planned five months ago and was postponed due to the fall of American soldiers from Iowa at the beginning of the war against Iran. Hegseth is expected to participate in campaigns for Republican candidates, led by Congressman Zach Nunn. The involvement of a defense secretary in a partisan campaign is considered unusual. Iowa is hosting a series of senior government officials, but the presence of the defense secretary is exceptional. Those familiar with his thinking noted that the visit matches the pattern of a person building his political future.