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The Pentagon’s acting inspector general has initiated a formal review into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the commercial encrypted messaging app Signal. The investigation seeks to determine whether Hegseth compromised operational security by using the platform to convey specific plans for a military strike against Houthi militants in Yemen. The inquiry focuses on whether these communications violated Department of Defense policies regarding the handling of classified material and official records retention.
The scrutiny began after it was revealed that Hegseth shared sensitive operational details in a group chat that included high-ranking officials such as Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. According to Military News, the issue came to light when National Security Adviser Mike Waltz inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic to the thread. Inside the chat, Hegseth reportedly provided precise timings for warplane launches and munition drops before the pilots conducting the mission were airborne.
Steven Stebbins, the acting inspector general, stated that the objective is to assess compliance with secure communication procedures. While Signal is encrypted, it is not authorized for transmitting classified defense information. As reported by News On 6, critics and military experts argue that the level of detail shared—specifically regarding the timing of attacks—would likely be classified to protect the safety of U.S. personnel. The investigation was launched following requests from the leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee, including Senators Roger Wicker and Jack Reed.
The controversy highlights the tension between the convenience of commercial apps and the strict protocols required for national security. During confirmation hearings related to military leadership, the Temple Daily Telegram noted that Lt. Gen. Dan Caine declined to comment specifically on the officials' conduct but emphasized the critical importance of preserving the element of surprise in military operations. The findings of this review are expected to clarify the extent of the reliance on non-secure platforms by top defense officials.
