Watchdog says Hegseth's use of Signal app posed a risk to US forces

The Pentagon's independent inspector general reported Thursday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the messaging app Signal to discuss military operations in Yemen may have endangered US personnel and exposed sensitive information. This adds to mounting scrutiny over Hegseth, who has faced criticism for strikes on alleged drug-trafficking vessels considered by experts as extrajudicial killings.

The report stated that Hegseth "transmitted nonpublic Department of Defense (DoD) details, including the number and timing of manned US aircraft operations over hostile territory, through an unsecure, unauthorized network approximately two to four hours prior to the execution of those strikes."

"Conducting official DoD communications via a personal phone and sending classified or sensitive information through Signal creates a risk of compromising operational security, potentially endangering personnel and mission success," the report added.

Hegseth did not participate in the inspector general's investigation, which was initiated after The Atlantic revealed in March that editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally included in a Signal conversation with Hegseth and then-National Security Advisor Mike Waltz discussing the Yemen operations. Initially, the magazine withheld the discussion details, later publishing them after the White House stated no classified information was shared and criticized Goldberg.

The report highlighted that while Hegseth holds the authority to classify or declassify information, he "shared sensitive, operational details over Signal that he judged did not require classification."

Details of the Signal Chats

In the conversations, Hegseth disclosed strike timings hours in advance and information about the aircraft and missiles used, while Waltz provided real-time intelligence following the actions. Former President Trump defended Hegseth, blaming Waltz, who was later reassigned as US Ambassador to the United Nations.

US media later reported that Hegseth had set up a separate Signal chat regarding the March Yemen strikes involving family members, but he remained in office despite the controversy.

Background on the Yemen Strikes

The Huthis began targeting maritime traffic in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden following the 2023 Gaza conflict, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. Their attacks disrupted shipping through the Suez Canal, a key route for 12 percent of global shipping, forcing companies to take costly detours around southern Africa. US strikes against the Huthis began under the Biden administration, with intensified air operations starting March 15. Previous strikes under Trump continued until a ceasefire was brokered in May with Omani mediation.

Hegseth has also faced scrutiny over a September 2 follow-up strike on an already-damaged vessel, which reportedly killed two survivors. The White House and Pentagon have distanced Hegseth from this decision, attributing responsibility to the admiral overseeing the operation, which some lawmakers have described as a potential war crime.

Analysis: Risks of Unsecured Communication in Yemen Operations

The Pentagon's inspector general report underscores the operational risks posed by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of Signal for military communications. Sharing details on aircraft numbers, strike timings, and munitions through an unsecured, personal device exposed sensitive operational information and potentially endangered personnel on the ground.

Hegseth's judgment to send sensitive but unclassified information over Signal highlights a gap in adherence to standard Department of Defense communication protocols. Even with the authority to classify information, transmitting operational data through personal messaging apps creates vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries.

The investigation also reveals broader concerns about accountability. While former President Trump defended Hegseth and blamed Mike Waltz, the chain of responsibility for these communications remains unclear, emphasizing the need for stricter oversight and training on secure channels for high-level military coordination.

Given the context of intensified US air operations against Huthi targets following disruptions in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, any breach of operational security carries heightened consequences. The report serves as a cautionary note for military leadership on the importance of maintaining secure communications to protect both personnel and mission objectives.

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• Hegseth's Signal use risked harm to US forces, watchdog says