U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is at the center of a growing controversy after reports emerged that he shared sensitive military strike plans on an unsecured Signal messaging app. The incident, the second of its kind involving Hegseth, has triggered a wave of criticism from lawmakers, an internal Pentagon investigation, and heightened concern over national security protocols within the Department of Defense.
According to reports, Hegseth used a personal Signal chat to communicate detailed information about a March 2025 airstrike against Yemen's Houthi rebels. The messages reportedly included specific details such as the launch times of F-18 fighter jets, drone deployments, and missile strikes. The recipients of the chat group included his wife, brother, and personal attorney. In a prior incident, a journalist had been accidentally included in a similar chat, sparking an earlier round of backlash.
The fallout has already begun to reshape the Pentagon's leadership structure. Several high-ranking officials, including senior adviser Dan Caldwell, have been dismissed amid an expanding leak investigation. The Pentagon’s Inspector General has launched a formal inquiry into Hegseth’s use of unclassified communications for sharing sensitive operational information.
Prominent lawmakers from both parties have voiced serious concerns. Senator Elizabeth Warren has called for Hegseth’s resignation, stating that his actions have endangered national security and undermined military integrity. Representative Jason Crow, a former Army Ranger, also condemned the use of unsecured platforms for mission-critical communication.
Despite the controversy, President Donald Trump has publicly expressed unwavering support for Hegseth. The White House has dismissed media reports suggesting that a replacement for the defense secretary is being considered. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Hegseth continues to enjoy the full confidence of the president.
The controversy has reignited broader debates around cybersecurity and the handling of classified information by high-ranking officials. Critics argue that these lapses reflect a dangerous casualness in matters of national defense and a failure to uphold basic security protocols.
As investigations continue, the Department of Defense is under increasing pressure to reestablish strict communication procedures and ensure accountability at the highest levels of leadership. The situation remains fluid, with more developments expected as internal reviews move forward.