Pete Hegseth

By Joe Lombardi From Daily Voice

A federal watchdog says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth put US troops and military operations at risk by sharing sensitive information over the messaging app Signal, in violation of Pentagon policy.

The Pentagon inspector general’s findings, reported Wednesday, Dec. 3, by CNN, Politico and The Washington Post, reveal that Hegseth used his personal device to discuss classified military plans, including details of planned US airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. 

The breach occurred after the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a Signal chat where top-level defense discussions were taking place.

The news comes as Hegseth is embroiled in controversy over authorizing strikes on suspected drug boats off Venezuela, including a controversial second attack on survivors amid explosions and fire, which he attributed to the "fog of war," at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2.

Lawmakers from both parties have expressed concern over both matters.

Hegseth addressed the boat strike controversy at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 2, attributing the deadly second attack on survivors to the "fog of war." 

The Pentagon inspector general’s review of his messaging behavior, dubbed "Signalgate," found that his actions violated established Defense Department regulations designed to safeguard national security and military personnel.

According to CNN, Hegseth refused to sit down for an interview with the IG during his months-long investigation.

The IG’s report noted, however, that as Defense Secretary, Hegseth has authority to declassify certain information, meaning he may not have broken any laws, but still breached policy. The investigation also looked into whether anyone else accessed Hegseth’s device or submitted information through his account.

In September, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War, calling the current title “the first sign of wokeness.” The change still requires congressional approval before it can officially take effect.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.