By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Embattled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not being considered for the soon-to-be-vacant Senate seat in Tennessee, according to a report from The Washington Post. The seat will open when Republican Senator Marsha Blackburn resigns in January to become governor.
Blackburn Dismisses Speculation
Governor-elect Blackburn called rumors of Hegseth's appointment "nothing more than Washington D.C. spin." A source close to her transition team said they are focused on the transition and that "D.C. won't pick the next senator." President Donald Trump has not spoken to Blackburn about Hegseth for the role, the Post reported.
Trump and Hegseth Respond
Trump said Wednesday he thought Hegseth "would be very popular" if he took the seat but had not heard any plans. Hegseth, through a person close to him, said he was not interested in the role. The former Fox News host has a home near Nashville, and strategists have reportedly tested his political viability in Tennessee since July 2025.
Mounting Pressure and Scandals
Hegseth faces growing scrutiny over his role in pushing the war in Iran, which contributed to Republican losses in the midterm elections. Democrats have threatened impeachment proceedings when they take control of the House in January. Outgoing GOP Representative Thomas Massie has also threatened impeachment unless Hegseth resigns. The Pentagon chief survived the "Signalgate" scandal last year, when a watchdog found he jeopardized sensitive military information in a Signal group chat. Despite pressure, Trump said Thursday he has "every intention to keep him."
