Pentagon Probe Finds Hegseth's Signal Use Put US Personnel at Risk, Violated Policy

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A Pentagon watchdog has concluded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app to share sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen's Houthi militants posed a risk to US personnel and their mission. According to sources familiar with the findings, the report did not find that Hegseth improperly declassified material, but it did determine that he violated Pentagon policy by using his personal device for official business. The investigation, which was conducted at the request of lawmakers, found that Hegseth shared details about the strike, including the exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop, before the US military personnel were airborne. Hegseth has maintained that the information was unclassified and that he was permitted to declassify material as he saw fit. The report recommended better training for all Pentagon officials and noted that Hegseth's use of the Signal app was not authorized for carrying classified information. The Defense Secretary has been under scrutiny since a journalist was added to a Signal chat where sensitive plans were shared, including a discussion about a military operation against the Houthis. Lawmakers have called for Hegseth to face accountability for his actions, citing concerns that his use of the app put the lives of US personnel at risk. Hegseth has defended his actions, saying that he only communicated details he thought would not endanger the mission. The Pentagon has not commented on the report, but lawmakers are expected to review the findings in a classified facility at the Capitol. The controversy surrounding Hegseth's use of Signal has sparked intense scrutiny, with some lawmakers and military veterans expressing concerns about the strict security protocols that are in place to protect sensitive information. The incident has also highlighted the importance of secure communication channels in the military, particularly in situations where lives are at risk. The investigation into Hegseth's actions is part of a broader campaign against the Houthis, which has been ongoing since 2024. The US-led campaign has involved a series of military strikes and operations against the Houthi rebels, who have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the Red Sea corridor. The report's findings are expected to add to the pressure on Hegseth, who has been under fire from lawmakers and the public since the controversy surrounding his use of Signal came to light. The incident has sparked a wider debate about the use of personal devices for official business and the importance of secure communication channels in the military.