Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared sensitive details about upcoming Yemen strikes on a private Signal chat with his wife, brother, and lawyer. This is separate from another Signal chat that mistakenly included a journalist. The new chat, named "Defense | Team Huddle," raises concerns about adherence to security protocols.
President Trump defended Hegseth, claiming no classified information was shared, a view echoed by a White House spokeswoman. However, Senator Tammy Duckworth and Senator Jack Reed expressed grave concern, highlighting the potential endangerment of troops.
The use of an unclassified app, even if encrypted, to share such sensitive information by Hegseth, including those with no apparent need for the intel, is under serious scrutiny. National security experts questioned the Trump administration's claim that no classified information was shared.
The Pentagon's acting inspector general is reviewing the matter. The controversy led to the firing of three top Pentagon officials accused of leaking information, creating internal turmoil and potential for more resignations.
Hegseth's wife, a former Fox News producer, attended sensitive meetings with foreign officials. His brother and lawyer, also within the chat, further contribute to the controversy about the security breach.