A Pentagon watchdog report revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered U.S. personnel and military operations by using the unapproved Signal messaging app to share sensitive details about a military strike against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants. The report indicated Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by communicating via a personal device, despite his authority to declassify information. The messages included timing of airstrikes and weapon deployment. Concerns escalated when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to the chat, alongside high-level officials like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Despite these revelations, the Pentagon, backed by Hegseth and President Trump, maintained that no classified information was leaked. The situation worsened after Hegseth reportedly ordered a controversial follow-up strike in the Caribbean. The Inspector General recommended improved training for Pentagon staff while lawmakers expressed that such actions would lead to dismissal for lower-ranked personnel.
The watchdog determined Hegseth’s use of Signal could have endangered troops if intercepted, yet he denied sharing classified material and claimed bias against the investigation. Critics highlighted that his actions showed poor judgment, exposing operational risks. The inquiry relied heavily on public screenshots due to limited access to Hegseth’s messages, and a redacted version of the report is anticipated.
Democratic lawmakers and some Republicans suggested Hegseth’s disclosures could have jeopardized pilots’ lives, emphasizing that military personnel face strict security protocols. Concerns among veterans grew as Houthi rebel attacks had escalated, obstructing trade through the Red Sea. This led to intense U.S. Navy operations in 2024, marking some of the most significant naval engagements since World War II amid broader geopolitical conflicts.
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