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Hegseth reportedly out of contention for Tennessee Senate seat
Pete Hegseth is reportedly not being considered for the Tennessee Senate seat that will open when Marsha Blackburn becomes governor. The possibility had been discussed as a potential next role for the embattled Pentagon chief, amid speculation that President Donald Trump might remove him after criticism of his handling of the Iran war and Republican election losses.
Blackburn’s transition team says she is focused on becoming governor and has received calls opposing Hegseth’s appointment. Sources say she may instead consider Congressman Tim Burchett or Knoxville Mayor Glenn Jacobs. Hegseth says he intends to stay in his post through the end of Trump’s term, while Trump has defended his performance; meanwhile, Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has threatened impeachment proceedings.
In short
- Hegseth is reportedly out of contention for Tennessee’s Senate seat.
- Blackburn’s team has received opposition to his appointment.
- Hegseth says he plans to remain Pentagon chief.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Keeping Hegseth in the Pentagon could preserve continuity during a conflict and avoid treating a Senate appointment as a way to sideline a cabinet official. His stated wish to remain, alongside Trump’s public support, gives advocates reason to argue that his performance should be judged through established oversight and political processes rather than speculation about his next job.
The case against
Choosing someone else for the Senate seat could give Tennessee a candidate with a clearer record of serving its constituents and avoid rewarding a senior official whose handling of the Iran war has drawn criticism. Given the reported calls opposing Hegseth’s appointment and talk of impeachment, critics could argue that moving him to the Senate would risk appearing to shelter him from scrutiny rather than address concerns about his leadership.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Humiliation for Pete Hegseth as Governor-elect shoots down plan to parachute embattled Pentagon chief into Tennessee Senate seat”.