Hegseth put troops at risk with Signal messages: Pentagon watchdog report

A recent inspector general review sharply criticizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth for endangering military personnel and breaching departmental rules by discussing planned strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen through the Signal app on his private phone.

The issue came to light when senior officials inadvertently added The Atlantics editor to a Signal group chat. The Office of Inspector General (OIG) report highlights multiple procedural errors. Although initially classified, the document is expected to be made public Thursday. Sources with access to the report informed The Hill and NewsNation that the messages Hegseth shared could have put troops at serious risk if intercepted by foreign actors.

Hegseth refused to be interviewed by the OIG or provide all of his Signal messages, forcing investigators to rely on screenshots published by The Atlantic. In a brief written response, he accused the investigation of partisanship, claiming he only shared information that would not compromise troop safety and had the authority to declassify it. The OIG disagreed with this characterization. The report does not evaluate whether Hegseth properly exercised declassification authority.

The Department of Defense publicly defended Hegseth, labeling the report as a complete exoneration. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell stated that no classified information was shared and described the matter as resolved.

The report is likely to intensify scrutiny of Hegseth, who faces additional questions about authorizing strikes on a boat in the Caribbean. He has denied ordering a second strike that reportedly killed survivors, saying he stepped away after the initial attack. Navy Admiral Frank Bradley, who commanded the second strike, is scheduled to brief congressional committees on Thursday.

On September 2, the U.S. military conducted four strikes against the suspected drug-trafficking vessel, twice targeting personnel on board and twice sinking the ship, according to a U.S. official speaking anonymously.

Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee from both parties have either reviewed or plan to review the classified report. Democrats who saw the report criticized Hegseths handling of the situation. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) remarked that Hegseths actions placed troops in danger by sharing sensitive operational information in a widely visible chat.

The White House defended Hegseth, stating that operational security was not compromised. Press secretary Karoline Leavitt praised the administrations handling of national security and affirmed President Trumps support for Hegseth.

Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) acknowledged seeing the report but declined to comment, while Senator Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) agreed with the IGs conclusions, noting that Signal should not have been used for such communications. When asked about potential consequences, Hirono said that any action would require Democratic control of the relevant bodies.

Analysis: The Fallout from Hegseth's Use of Signal App for Sensitive Military Information

The recent report from the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has thrown a spotlight on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s handling of sensitive military communications. The use of Signal, a private messaging app, to discuss military operations related to Yemen has raised concerns over operational security. While the Department of Defense defends Hegseth's actions, stating that no classified information was shared, the situation warrants a closer examination of procedures and accountability.

Firstly, the issue of using a private phone for official military communication is problematic in itself. Even though Hegseth asserts he only shared information that would not compromise troop safety, the fact remains that classified information should be handled through secure channels. The OIG report does not delve into whether Hegseth had the authority to declassify the information, leaving the door open for further debate on his actions. The Pentagon’s attempt to label the report as a "complete exoneration" does little to ease concerns, especially when Hegseth refused to cooperate with the investigation.

Moreover, the revelation that senior officials accidentally added an editor from The Atlantic to a group chat highlights a critical procedural failure. Given the visibility of such discussions, the potential for foreign actors to intercept sensitive details could have exposed U.S. military personnel to significant risks. The fact that the investigation had to rely on screenshots published by The Atlantic further underscores the mishandling of the situation. This points to a breakdown not just in communication practices, but in leadership accountability at the highest levels of the Department of Defense.

As the controversy intensifies, Hegseth faces additional scrutiny over his role in authorizing strikes on a drug-trafficking vessel in the Caribbean. Despite his denial of involvement in a second strike that reportedly resulted in the deaths of survivors, the Pentagon’s defense of his actions may not be enough to quell growing concerns. With the Senate Armed Services Committee set to review the classified report and further hearings on the matter, the pressure on Hegseth is unlikely to subside.

In conclusion, while Hegseth’s defenders point to the lack of direct evidence of classified material being leaked, the broader implications of this incident extend far beyond procedural errors. The need for tighter security protocols and greater transparency cannot be overstated. It is clear that this controversy will continue to evolve, with political ramifications for both the Defense Department and the broader national security establishment.

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• Hegseth endangered troops with Signal messages: Pentagon watchdog report