A recent report from the Pentagon's Inspector General has raised serious concerns about Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app during military operations against Yemen's Houthi rebels. The investigation found that Hegseth shared sensitive information about military strikes, potentially endangering U.S. personnel and missions.

The report highlighted that Hegseth used his personal device to communicate critical details, including the timing of strikes, just hours before they occurred. This practice could have jeopardized operational security if intercepted. Although Hegseth has the authority to declassify information, the Inspector General's review did not conclude that he mishandled classified material. Instead, it focused on the security risks associated with using a personal device for official communications.

The inquiry was initiated after a group chat on Signal inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who later published details of the conversation. The chat included messages such as “1215 ET: F-18s LAUNCH” and “1415: Strike Drones on Target,” which raised alarms among national security experts and lawmakers. Critics, including Senator Tammy Duckworth, argued that such information is inherently classified and could have endangered lives if intercepted.

Hegseth defended his actions, claiming that he only shared information he believed was safe and insisted that the investigation was politically motivated. He stated, “No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed.” However, the report noted that even if he had the authority to declassify, the details shared remained sensitive while operations were ongoing.

The findings have intensified scrutiny on Hegseth, with lawmakers calling for an independent investigation into his use of the app. The report is expected to be made public soon, and a redacted version will be available for review by Congress. The situation underscores the ongoing tension between the need for secure communications and the use of private messaging platforms by government officials.