Overview

• Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is being investigated by the Pentagon Inspector General and the Department of Justice for alleged unauthorized disclosures via the Signal messaging app.
• Former adviser Colin Carroll described Hegseth’s behavior as unpredictable, praising his external engagements but criticizing his internal conduct as agitated and erratic.
• Three senior aides, including Carroll, were fired over accusations of leaking information, which they deny, with one attributing their dismissal to policy disagreements with Hegseth.
• Hegseth has publicly dismissed the allegations as a smear campaign by “disgruntled former employees,” while continuing to receive support from President Donald Trump.
• Concerns have been raised about Hegseth’s use of unsecured communication channels and his focus on minor issues, which critics say undermines operational priorities.