Quote from Alex bobby on June 8, 2025, 4:28 AM

Pentagon Probes Hegseth Over Signal Message Deletions and Security Breaches

Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing heightened scrutiny as the Pentagon’s Inspector General investigates allegations that he or members of his team may have instructed staff to delete Signal messages containing sensitive military information. The probe centres on Hegseth’s use of the encrypted messaging app to share details about a U.S. airstrike in Yemen before it was publicly disclosed or fully executed — a move that could have endangered military personnel and compromised national security protocols.

According to sources familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by the Associated Press (AP), the investigation is focused not only on whether the messages were deleted but also on who had access to Hegseth’s phone and who may have posted information to the Signal chats on the day of the strike, 15 March 2025.

Dangerous Disclosures

The controversy stems from Hegseth’s communications on Signal before U.S. fighter jets had reached their targets in Yemen. The information, according to military and intelligence officials, was shared on unsecured devices — in direct violation of long-established Pentagon communication standards.

Democratic lawmakers and a few Republicans have sharply criticised the move. They argue that if a lower-ranking officer had committed a similar breach, it would have led to disciplinary action or dismissal. One senior military source told AP, “There’s no way this information, especially with that level of specificity, would have been approved for sharing on a personal app — let alone ahead of an active strike.”

Despite the backlash, Hegseth has denied wrongdoing, telling Fox News in April, “Nobody is texting war plans. What was shared was informal, unclassified coordination for media purposes.” He insisted that the contents of the messages were not operationally sensitive.

However, that explanation hasn’t quelled concerns, particularly after reports emerged that at least two Signal chats included non-military participants, including Hegseth’s wife and brother in one group, and Trump administration officials — and accidentally, Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg — in another.

Wider Security Lapses Under Scrutiny

This is not the first time Hegseth has come under fire for bypassing security protocols. Earlier this year, he was questioned for installing an unsecured internet line in his office, which skirted around Pentagon cyber safeguards. Experts say such setups pose risks of cyber intrusion and unauthorised data access.

These incidents are now part of a broader investigation into the operational integrity of the Pentagon under Hegseth's leadership. Sources inside the Defence Department say the chain of security breakdowns has also contributed to the resignations of several senior aides, and an internal review has been launched to examine potential information leaks.

Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI) — the respective chair and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee — formally requested the Inspector General's investigation. Hegseth is scheduled to testify before the committee next week, marking his first appearance under oath since his confirmation.

The Pentagon has so far remained tight-lipped. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson declined to comment, citing the pending probe. The Inspector General’s office has also not issued any formal statement.

The Risks of Using Signal for Military Comms

While Signal is widely used for secure communications due to its encryption, it is not approved for handling classified or sensitive military operations. On 14 March — one day before the Yemen airstrike — the Department of Defence issued a reminder to personnel about the risks of using consumer messaging apps for sensitive discussions.

Critics argue that the timing of the breach and the warning memo raises questions about judgment and adherence to established protocols. A former intelligence official told AP: “Signal may be encrypted, but it’s still vulnerable. And it's certainly not where you coordinate airstrikes.”

Trump’s Support Remains Strong

Despite the turmoil, Hegseth retains the backing of President Donald Trump, who praised him during a Memorial Day speech at Arlington National Cemetery, stating, “He’s doing really well,” and acknowledging that Hegseth had “gone through a lot.”

Trump also defended the decision to strike Houthi targets, framing it as a response to the militant group’s continued attacks on commercial shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis launched over 100 attacks, resulting in two sunken ships and four sailor deaths.

The group claimed their actions were meant to pressure Israel to end its war in Gaza — a conflict that has had far-reaching regional implications.

What’s Next for the Defence Secretary?

As Hegseth prepares for his testimony, the stakes are high. The probe’s findings could lead to further fallout, potentially upending his tenure as defence secretary. Analysts say this investigation could also reignite discussions about how senior officials handle sensitive information in an era of instant messaging and social media.

For now, all eyes are on Capitol Hill, where Hegseth’s answers could determine whether this controversy is a passing storm — or the beginning of a more serious reckoning.

Conclusion

The investigation into Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal and the possible deletion of sensitive messages marks a critical moment for U.S. military leadership and accountability. While Hegseth maintains that no classified information was shared, the nature and timing of his communications — especially before a live military strike — raise serious concerns about judgment, protocol, and national security. The situation underscores the growing tension between technological convenience and operational discipline in today’s defence environment.

As the Pentagon grapples with internal resignations, security lapses, and public scrutiny, Hegseth’s upcoming testimony before Congress will be a key test of his credibility and future in office. Whether this results in policy reforms, disciplinary action, or further controversy, the implications will be far-reaching — not just for Hegseth, but for how the military adapts to the digital age without compromising its core principles of secrecy, strategy, and safety.