Overview

• Reports reveal Pete Hegseth shared sensitive Yemen strike details via a second Signal chat involving family and personal connections without security clearances.
• President Trump and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt publicly back Hegseth, blaming leaks on 'disgruntled employees' while denying classified information was compromised.
• An inspector general investigation into the leaks led to the dismissal of three senior Pentagon officials, with Hegseth warning leakers may face prosecution.
• Republican Rep. Don Bacon has become the first GOP lawmaker to call for Hegseth's removal, citing concerns over his judgment and operational security failures.
• Despite public support from Trump, reports suggest the White House is exploring potential replacements, though this has been officially denied by press officials.