Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Hits Record Low Approval in Quinnipiac Poll

A Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday shows Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth receiving approval from only 32 percent of voters, with 57 percent disapproving and 11 percent offering no opinion. Confidence in his leadership of the U.S. military is split, as 39 percent say they are “very” or “somewhat” confident, while 56 percent express little or no confidence. The poll marks the lowest approval level Hegseth has ever recorded, surpassing his prior low of 34 percent in May and July surveys.

Newsweek

Less than two weeks after Hegseth denied a report that he was weighing a 2028 presidential bid, NBC News cited a conversation in which he allegedly discussed a possible campaign. Hegseth called the claim “100 % false.” During a September 8 appearance on CNN’s *The Source*, Senator Ted Cruz listed Hegseth among potential Republican contenders for 2028. Former President Donald Trump, when asked about the speculation, praised Hegseth’s performance but said it was “very early” to discuss the next presidential race.

Newsweek

Hegseth himself reiterated that his focus remains on “leading the War Department” and denied any intent to run for president.

Newsweek

• “Right now, all he loves and all he cares about is the military and taking care of the military,” — Donald Trump, former president.

Newsweek