Pentagon Watchdog Report on Secretary Hegseth's Signal App Use
A forthcoming report from a Pentagon watchdog indicates that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive military information on the Signal messaging application, which investigators determined could have jeopardized U.S. servicemembers' safety. The report is anticipated for release as early as Thursday.
Background to the Investigation
The investigation was initiated following a March revelation by a journalist for The Atlantic. The journalist reported being included in an encrypted Signal chat where Secretary Hegseth and other high-ranking officials discussed plans related to U.S. airstrikes targeting Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Inspector General's Findings
According to a summary reviewed by NPR, the report concludes that if a foreign adversary had intercepted the intelligence exchanged within the chat, it would have posed a risk to both U.S. servicemembers and the overall mission.
The investigation, conducted by Pentagon Inspector General Steven Stebbins, determined that Secretary Hegseth transmitted information concerning targets, timing, and aircraft to two Signal groups. These groups reportedly included his wife and brother. The report specifies that Hegseth's actions constituted a violation of Pentagon policies regarding the use of personal mobile devices for official government business.
Secretary Hegseth's Response
Secretary Hegseth reportedly declined to be interviewed by investigators, instead providing a written response. In his statement, Hegseth asserted his authority to declassify information. The inspector general's report did not determine whether the specific information in the chat had been declassified by the time it was shared but acknowledged that, as Secretary of Defense, Hegseth possessed the authority to do so.
Pentagon's Official Statement
Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell issued a statement claiming the Inspector General's findings exonerated Secretary Hegseth. Parnell stated, "The Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along — no classified information was shared. This matter is resolved, and the case is closed."