Overview

• The inspector general opened an inquiry into whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s aides were asked to delete encrypted Signal messages detailing the March 15 airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
• Hegseth used the unapproved Signal app to share operational timing and weapons information in two group chats that included family members, senior national security aides and an unintended reporter.
• Investigators are interviewing current and former staff who had access to Hegseth’s phone to determine who posted the messages and whether deletions were directed.
• Hegseth maintains that his Signal communications were unclassified and intended for informal media coordination rather than sharing war plans.
• Bipartisan lawmakers are set to question Hegseth under oath next week while President Trump has reiterated his support for the defense secretary.