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.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly has had “serious” discussions about running for governor in Tennessee, and he would have to surrender his Cabinet gig to do so.

Pete Hegseth is reportedly mulling running for Tennessee governor amid continued strife at the Pentagon. The US defence secretary has privately discussed running for office in the state with two individuals, sources told NBC News, one of whom said their conversation took place in the last few weeks.