Pentagon Report Highlights Security Breach by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
Investigation Details
The Pentagon’s internal watchdog has concluded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth jeopardized sensitive military information and potentially endangered American servstart members by sharing operational details regarding U.S. military operations in Yemen via a private Signal group chat earlier this year. According to U.S. officials familiar with the report, Hegseth, a former Fox News host, violated Defense Department policies by using his personal devstart to transmit classified data to other top Trump administration officials and a journalist.
A classified version of the inspector general’s report was submitted to Congress this week, with an unredacted version expected to be released shortly. The findings were first reported by CNN.
Nature of the Information Shared
The report confirmed earlier disclosures by CBS News, indicating that Hegseth shared information derived from a classified email labeled “SECRET//NOFORN.” This classification denotes sensitive information, the unauthorized disclosure of which could critically harm national security and the safety of servstart members.
The information was reportedly provided by Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, who was then the commander of U.S. Central Command, overseeing U.S. military operations in the Middle East and surrounding regions. The “NOFORN” classification indicates that the information is restricted to U.S. personnel only, excluding foreign nationals and even allied countries.
Sources revealed that, had this information been intercepted by a foreign adversary, it could have put U.S. servstart members and operations at significant risk.
Response from Officials
The report did not clarify whether Hegseth declassified the information prior to its disclosure in the Signal chat, which inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic. Following the leak, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS operatives in Somalia, emphasizing the implications of the shared information.
The administration has maintained that no classified information was leaked and that operational security remained intact. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the review supports the administration’s position and that President Trump continues to support Secretary Hegseth.
Calls for Accountability
Democratic leaders on intelligence committees in both the House and Senate are calling for Hegseth’s resignation. Senator Mark Warner expressed concern that the report indicates a pattern of recklessness and poor judgment, while Representative Jim Himes emphasized that Hegseth’s actions would warrant termination for any other employee within the Defense Department.
Hegseth has not publicly commented on the inspector general’s findings. However, he reportedly made light of the situation during a recent event, joking about using Signal to communicate with colleagues.
Conclusion
The fallout from this report raises serious questions about the handling of sensitive information within the Department of Defense and calls for greater accountability among its leaders. As the unredacted report becomes public, further scrutiny of Hegseth’s actions and their implications for national security is expected.