Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth gave a campaign stump speech on Monday for Trump-endorsed candidate Ed Gallrein in Kentucky’s House primary race. Tieless and in an open collar, Hegseth emphasized he was present “in his capacity as a private citizen.”
[NOTE: Gallrein is running against incumbent Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie (R-KY), who has been targeted by MAGA for criticizing the president on budget issues and for his lead on the effort to get the Epstein Files released. Trump recently called Massie “the worst and most unreliable Republican Congressman in the history of our Country.”]
Hegseth prefaced his stump for Gallrein with a disclaimer. “I have to say upfront,” he said, “for the lawyers: I’m here in my personal capacity, as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran.”
The Defense Secretary’s forthright disclaimer — addressed to “the lawyers” — appears to acknowledge an understanding that he is flirting with a violation of the Hatch Act, which, as described by the DOJ fact sheet, “generally prohibits federal employees from engaging in partisan political activity while on duty, in a federal facility, or using federal property. Political activity is defined as any activity directed toward the success or failure of a political party, candidate for partisan political group.”
Hegseth’s pitch on behalf of Gallrein was to assert that he would greenlight President Trump’s agenda where Massie has been an impediment, and that Trump “does not need more people in Washington who are trying to make a point, especially from his own party…he needs people who are willing to help him win.”
Despite Hegseth’s claims of acting solely as a civilian, many commenters didn’t see it that way, pointing out that he remains Secretary of Defense and continues to lead the Pentagon during an active military conflict in Iran paused by a tenuous ceasefire.
This is the Secretary of Defense campaigning in KY while on duty being paid by US taxpayers. It is a completely lawless gangster government in every area at all levels. pic.twitter.com/tD2yKKa29v
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) May 18, 2026
