Pete Hegseth: Pentagon watchdog launches probe of defense secretary’s Signal messages | CNN Politics

Pentagon Investigation into Hegseth's Signal Use

The Department of Defense's acting Inspector General (IG) is investigating Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The investigation, prompted by a report in The Atlantic, will examine whether Hegseth and other officials complied with DoD policies and procedures for using commercial messaging applications for official business, and whether classified information was shared.

Key Points of the Investigation

• The IG will review whether Hegseth adhered to classification and records retention requirements.
• The investigation will occur in Washington, D.C., and at US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
• Hegseth's spokesperson denies any classified information was shared, stating the messages were simply updates on an already-briefed plan.
• The investigation was requested by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
• The acting IG, Steven Stebbins, was appointed after the previous IG was fired.

Disputed Information

The Atlantic's report indicated that Hegseth shared highly classified information, including the timing of strikes and the types of weapons used, 30 minutes before the operation began. However, Hegseth’s spokesperson maintains that no classified information was exchanged.