CIA Director Defends Defense Secretary Hegseth in Signal Chat Controversy

Intelligence Committee hearings focus on allegations of leaked classified information and questions about Pete Hegseth’s personal conduct.

Representative Jimmy Gomez questioned whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s alleged drinking habits impacted his handling of classified information in a Signal chat group.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe called the line of questioning offensive and denied that Hegseth had been drinking, emphasizing the need to focus on broader global threats.
The Signal chat group included high-ranking officials and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, discussing a military operation in Yemen, raising concerns about operational security.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated she had no knowledge of Hegseth’s personal habits when pressed on the issue during the hearings.
Ratcliffe highlighted the CIA’s recent successes, including capturing a senior planner of the Abbey Gate bombing, arguing that such achievements deserve more attention than Hegseth’s alleged conduct.