Pentagon's investigator says Hegseth's use of Signal app endangered US personnel, according to AP sources

WASHINGTON The Pentagons inspector general has determined that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths use of the Signal messaging app endangered U.S. personnel and military operations during a strike targeting Houthi forces in Yemen, according to sources familiar with the investigation.

While Hegseth possesses the authority to declassify information, the report did not conclude that he misused this power, one source said, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the findings. CNN initially reported the preliminary results.

The inspector generals review was provided to members of Congress, who examined the report in a secure setting at the Capitol. Officials expect a partially redacted version of the report to be made public later this week.

The revelations have intensified scrutiny of Hegseth, a former Fox News host, following calls from lawmakers for an independent probe into his use of a commercial messaging application. Separate congressional inquiries have also been launched regarding a September strike on an alleged drug-smuggling vessel in the Caribbean, where survivors were reportedly killed after Hegseth allegedly gave a verbal directive to kill everybody.

In multiple Signal conversations, Hegseth reportedly shared precise details about the timing of airstrikes, including launch schedules and bomb drops, ahead of U.S. forces being airborne.

The disclosure came when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was unintentionally added to a Signal chat by then-national security adviser Mike Waltz. The discussion included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, and others, focusing on March 15 operations against the Iran-backed Houthis.

Hegseth also created another Signal group with 13 participants, including his wife and brother, where similar strike details were shared, according to reports.

Analysis: Security Risks in Hegseth’s Messaging Practices

The Pentagon inspector general’s findings highlight a critical vulnerability in operational security caused by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal app. Sharing real-time details of airstrikes and mission timing on a commercial platform created significant exposure for U.S. personnel and ongoing military operations.

While the report does not accuse Hegseth of misusing his declassification authority, the potential compromise of classified information demonstrates that authority alone cannot replace secure communication protocols. The inclusion of non-military participants in these Signal groups amplified the risk.

Congressional oversight is likely to intensify following these revelations. Lawmakers reviewing the report in secure settings are now positioned to demand stricter guidelines for digital communications among senior defense officials, ensuring that operational integrity is not undermined by informal messaging channels.

The broader implication is clear: even high-ranking officials with extensive security clearance must adhere to established secure communication procedures. The partial redaction of the report, expected later this week, will provide further insight into the scope of the operational exposure and potential policy reforms.

Sources:

• Pentagon watchdog finds Hegseth’s use of Signal posed risk to US personnel, AP sources say