Pentagon Investigation Finds Pete Hegseth Endangered U.S. Troops in Signal Group Chat

The Department of Defense Office of the Inspector General has published a report revealing that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth exposed U.S. military personnel to danger by sharing details of planned operations in a Signal group chat.

The report, made public on Thursday, December 4, concluded that Hegseths actions created risks to operational security, which could have led to failed missions and potential harm to U.S. pilots.

Earlier this year, Hegseth used Signal to communicate plans for attacks on Houthi forces, including members of President Donald Trumps national security team. The chat accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, who later reported the incident.

The IG report found that Hegseth sent sensitive, nonpublic Department of Defense information, specifying the number and timing of manned aircraft strikes over hostile territory, using an unapproved and unsecured platform just hours before execution. Using his personal phone for official business, he exposed classified operational details, potentially putting personnel and missions at risk.

Hegseth declined a personal interview but submitted written statements, and the IG review also referenced The Atlantics coverage to supplement the investigation. Hegseth claimed he had authority to determine the classification level of the information shared, but the report emphasized that sending it via Signal compromised security.

The report highlighted that the use of a personal device and a nonapproved messaging app violated Pentagon protocols. Only one recommendation was made: USCENTCOMs Special Security Office should review and update classification procedures to ensure proper handling of sensitive information.

Reacting to the report, Hegseth posted on X that no classified information was involved and declared the case closed. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell echoed that the review fully exonerated Hegseth, stating the issue is resolved.

However, some lawmakers criticized the actions. Representative Adam Smith, a Democrat on the House Armed Services Committee, described the report as evidence of poor judgment that endangered service members, noting that secure channels were available and could have been used.

Author: Noah Whitman