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.

"The Daily Show" turned its attention away from President Trump on Wednesday night in order to focus instead on some of his cabinet members, including Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. The Comedy Central series noted the recent rumblings that Hegseth is considering stepping down from his role in the Trump administration to run for Governor of Tennessee next year.

The defense secretary has talked privately about running a campaign in Tennessee, sources told NBC News. The Pentagon said Hegseth’s “focus remains solely on serving under” Trump.