Overview
- The IG report says Hegseth sent nonpublic details on the quantity and timing of manned U.S. aircraft over hostile territory via an unapproved network roughly two to four hours before the strikes.
- The information came from CENTCOM emails marked SECRET//NOFORN, and the IG said Hegseth’s declassification assertion did not excuse violating communications and records policies.
- Using a personal phone and Signal violated DoD Instruction 8170.01, and the failure to retain auto‑deleting messages breached records rules, leading investigators to rely on The Atlantic’s transcript of the chat.
- The Pentagon publicly called the review a “TOTAL exoneration” and allies said no classified texts were shared, a portrayal the IG’s findings and some lawmakers disputed.
- Democrats urged explanations or resignation as the IG recommended training, clearer classification markings, and reviews of personal device use, with any discipline left to the president.