Pentagon Watchdog Says Hegseth’s Signal Use Put U.S. Troops at Risk

Overview

• The inspector general concluded that Hegseth sent non-public details on strike timing and the number of U.S. crewed aircraft over hostile territory using an unapproved network.
• Investigators said this posed potential risks to personnel and missions, while finding no classification violation because the defense secretary has declassification authority.
• Hegseth declined an interview, submitted only written answers, and produced limited Signal messages, and the review cites recordkeeping shortfalls under the Federal Records Act.
• The episode surfaced after a journalist was accidentally added to a Signal group where senior officials discussed the March 15 Yemen strikes, and Hegseth also shared similar details in a second chat that included family and his lawyer.
• The White House and Pentagon say no operational compromise has been demonstrated and report continued presidential support, as congressional oversight of Hegseth’s conduct proceeds and a public release of the IG findings is expected shortly.