That would require him to step down as Pentagon chief, teeing up a major leadership change, albeit one that may be welcomed by some in the Department of Defense, where Hegseth’s purported paranoia and erratic moves have rankled White House officials and alienated staffers. It has all been enough that his allies apparently staged an intervention.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth privately discussed running for political office in Tennessee next year, according to a report. Two people who said they spoke directly with Hegseth about the matter told NBC News that the conversations focused on potential bids for elected office,

Pete Hegseth's office is quashing rumors that the head of the Department of Defense will be leaving his lofty position in the Pentagon to run for office. Speaking to The Express U.S., the Pentagon slammed the story,