Overview
- The DoD inspector general found Secretary Pete Hegseth sent nonpublic details on aircraft numbers and strike times over Signal from his personal phone two to four hours before U.S. attacks in Yemen, creating risk to personnel and mission objectives.
- Investigators concluded he violated policy by using a personal device and an unapproved app and by failing to retain official records, forcing the IG to rely in part on The Atlantic’s transcript after messages auto‑deleted.
- The shared details tracked CENTCOM emails marked SECRET//NOFORN, and while Hegseth asserted declassification authority, the IG said that did not remove operational sensitivity or excuse use of an unapproved channel.
- The watchdog recommended clearer classification markings, targeted training for senior leaders, and pursuit of a DoD‑controlled messaging capability, issuing no punitive recommendation and framing the lapse as part of a broader department‑wide problem.
- Hegseth and Pentagon spokespeople labeled the report a “total exoneration,” Democrats renewed calls for his removal, several Republicans criticized his judgment, and congressional oversight continues alongside separate probes such as inquiries into a Sept. 2 strike.