Overview

• Pete Hegseth is under formal Pentagon Inspector General review after reportedly sharing sensitive military details on unsecured Signal chats involving non-government individuals.
• The New York Times revealed a second Signal chat where Hegseth shared classified information, intensifying scrutiny of his operational security practices.
• Hegseth’s leadership has been marked by severe infighting, including the firing of top civilian advisers, leading to what insiders describe as a 'complete meltdown' at the Pentagon.
• Polling shows Hegseth’s net favorability at minus 14 points, making him the least popular Defense Secretary since Donald Rumsfeld, with bipartisan calls for his resignation growing louder.
• Despite widespread criticism, President Trump has publicly defended Hegseth, stating he is doing a 'great job,' though reports suggest the White House is quietly assessing his future.