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'Private citizen' Hegseth stumps for Thomas Massie opponent Ed Gallrein ahead of primary

Washington Examiner · back to the audit

War Secretary Pete Hegseth participated in a campaign rally on Monday for former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who is running for Kentucky's 4th Congressional District against incumbent Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY).

Hegseth's participation breaks a long-held norm that defense secretaries avoid partisan politics, though his willingness to wade into partisanship has long been a component of his tenure. There were also concerns, which the Pentagon disputed, that his appearance at the rally violated the Hatch Act, a law that limits the political activities of executive branch employees.

"I have to say up front for the lawyers -- I'm here in my personal capacity as a private citizen, a fellow American, and a fellow combat veteran, here to support Ed Gallrein," Hegseth said in his opening remarks.