Pete Hegseth shares military operation details with family members in Signal chat
- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth created a second Signal chat that included his wife, brother, and lawyer, sharing sensitive military plans.
- The Pentagon initiated an investigation regarding Hegseth's communication practices after revelations about the chats and ongoing security concerns.
- The situation has led to significant criticism of Hegseth's judgment and calls for his resignation amid ongoing chaos in the Defense Department.
In March 2025, in the United States, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth faced scrutiny when it was revealed that he used a personal Signal group chat to share sensitive military operation details. This chat included his wife, Jennifer, his brother, Phil, and his personal attorney, Timothy Parlatore. Sources suggest that the information shared related to a March 15 airstrike against Yemen’s Houthi militants. This practice raised concerns regarding national security due to the nature of the platform used for communication, which is not authorized for sensitive information. An investigation by the Defense Department's acting inspector general was initiated in light of these revelations. Prior to this, Hegseth was already facing criticism from former advisors regarding his judgment after several high-profile dismissals within his team, who were allegedly involved in leaking sensitive information. The tumultuous situation at the Pentagon soon became a matter of public discussion, further complicating Hegseth's position in the administration. With the increase in chaos, some officials called for him to resign, citing risks to military personnel and overall safety due to disclosed operational details. The escalating scandal raised questions on the appropriateness of including family members in discussions around sensitive national security matters, further highlighting the need for clarity regarding protocols and communication standards in government operations.