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Washington D.C. is reeling from a controversy involving the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Reports suggest the Pentagon is in “full-blown meltdown” after Hegseth allegedly shared sensitive military information via the app, raising serious national security concerns.
Controversial Texts Spark Outrage
The controversy began in March when Hegseth reportedly sent secret bombing plans in a Signal chat that included a reporter. This was followed by a New York Times report revealing that he shared attack plans with his wife and brother through a personal Signal chat shortly after receiving them.
According to The Guardian, this second revelation triggered significant turmoil within the Pentagon, leading the Trump administration to explore potential replacements for Hegseth, according to an anonymous US official cited by NPR.
White House Divided?
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed NPR’s report as “fake news,” while President Trump defended Hegseth, stating he is “doing a great job,” according to NBC News. This public support comes despite growing criticism over Hegseth’s handling of confidential information.
Critics Voice Concerns
Critics argue that Hegseth’s unauthorized Signal use puts US operations and personnel at risk. Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot warned in a Politico op-ed that Hegseth’s actions have caused “a near collapse inside the Pentagon’s top ranks.” Ullyot suggested the scandal is a distraction for Trump, urging him to hold his officials accountable.
NPR reports that four of Hegseth’s senior advisors resigned following The Times report, hinting at internal conflicts within the Department of Defense.
Hegseth and Trump Stand United
Despite the backlash, Trump has dismissed discussions about Hegseth’s chats as a “waste of time,” according to The New York Times. Hegseth echoed this sentiment, telling reporters at a White House event that he and Trump are “on the same page all the way.”
Hegseth has labeled The Times’ report as a “hit piece.” The report indicates that Hegseth updated both Signal groups about attack plans around the same time, highlighting the potential risk of leaks.
Security Protocol Questions Arise
The inclusion of Hegseth’s family in the Signal chats has raised additional concerns about his adherence to security protocols, according to the NYT.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell defended Hegseth, claiming that “there was no classified information in any Signal chat.”
Conflicting Accounts
The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, who was inadvertently included in the initial Signal chat, stated that Hegseth shared “precise information about weapons packages, targets, and timing” hours before an attack.
The ongoing Signal controversy continues to fuel debate in Washington, raising critical questions about national security and the use of encrypted communication by government officials.