US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under scrutiny for sharing sensitive details about a March attack on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The incident reportedly occurred in a private Signal group chat. The chat included 13 individuals, among them Hegseth’s wife, brother, and personal lawyer.
Unauthorized Use of Signal
The Signal app, a commercially available messaging platform, is not authorized for sharing classified or sensitive national defense information. Despite this, Hegseth allegedly posted operational details about the attack, including flight schedules of F/A-18 Hornets. These jets were set to strike Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.
The information was reportedly shared in two separate Signal chats. One group included Hegseth’s close associates, while the other consisted of senior Trump administration officials. The latter group was created by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Embarrassment Over Accidental Additions
Last month, it was revealed that Hegseth mistakenly shared operational details in a Signal group that included The Atlantic magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. This accidental addition exposed the chat’s existence and led to public embarrassment for the Trump administration.
Sources close to the situation confirmed that some of the same information was shared in both chats. These revelations have sparked investigations into President Donald Trump’s top security officials.
Inclusion of Personal Contacts Raises Questions
The involvement of Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, and his younger brother, Phil, has drawn criticism. Jennifer, a former Fox News producer, was previously pictured attending sensitive meetings with foreign leaders. Phil, a podcast producer recently hired as a Department of Homeland Security liaison to the Pentagon, was also part of the group chat.
Critics question why either needed access to operational military plans. Hegseth used his private phone, rather than a government-issued device, to participate in the Signal chat.
Confirmation and Denials
CNN reported that three sources confirmed Hegseth’s use of the Signal group to share Yemen attack plans. The Associated Press also verified this information through a source familiar with the group chat.
The Pentagon, however, dismissed the reports. Spokesperson Sean Parnell accused The New York Times of bias, calling them “Trump-hating media.” He stated that no classified information was shared in any Signal chat.
Parnell defended Hegseth’s actions, emphasizing the administration’s achievements for the military. “The Trump-hating media continues to be obsessed with destroying anyone committed to President Trump’s agenda,” he said on X (formerly Twitter).
Broader Implications
This incident highlights ongoing concerns about the use of private communication channels for sensitive government discussions. Critics argue that it undermines national security and raises ethical questions about leadership practices.
The investigations into Pete Hegseth’s actions are ongoing. Meanwhile, the incident has sparked debates over accountability and proper conduct among top officials. For the latest updates on government announcements, and breaking news, News Trendzs remains the world news site for reliable and up-to-date information.
