Overview

• Pete Hegseth is accused of using personal Signal chats, including one with family members, to share sensitive military plans regarding Yemen airstrikes.
• The Pentagon has launched an internal investigation into the unauthorized disclosures, leading to the dismissal of three senior staffers for alleged leaks.
• Hegseth has defended his actions as informal and unclassified, blaming media and former employees for what he calls politically motivated attacks.
• Bipartisan criticism has intensified, with lawmakers from both parties questioning Hegseth's ability to lead and calling for his resignation or removal.
• President Trump continues to back Hegseth despite the growing controversy, dismissing reports as 'fake news' and reiterating his support for the embattled defense secretary.