Overview

• The Pentagon inspector general has broadened its investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app, now including a second group chat involving his wife and lawyer.
• This second chat reportedly included discussions of military plans, raising further concerns about operational security and adherence to Department of Defense protocols.
• Hegseth denies sharing classified information and attributes the controversy to politically motivated leaks from opponents.
• President Trump has publicly defended Hegseth, dismissing the allegations as a distraction and praising his performance as defense secretary.
• Republican lawmakers are divided, with some reserving judgment until the inspector general’s findings are released and others questioning Hegseth’s judgment.