Washington DC, Sept. 1 -- US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) dampened early media chatter surrounding the 2028 presidential race during an Oval Office exchange, describing speculation that Secretary of War Pete Hegseth could seek the Republican nomination as "very early."

Praising Hegseth's leadership at the Pentagon, Trump emphasised that current political attention must remain anchored on the upcoming US midterm elections.

"I think he's doing a fantastic job, but it's very early to talk about that. We have to get through the midterms first," President Trump remarked when questioned about a potential 2028 bid for the Cabinet official.

The President described Hegseth as "a very good guy" and noted that the Republican prim...