Report Finds Hegseth Violated Security Policies Using Signal App

A Defense Department inspector general report concluded Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated Pentagon security policies and put US troops at risk by sharing sensitive operational information on the Signal app earlier this year.

The Details: The Office of Inspector General (OIG) report, expected Thursday, determined Hegseth used a personal device and the unclassified Signal app to share details about a March strike on Yemen's Houthi militants, reportedly including aircraft information and exact timing of the operation. While the report didn't find that he mishandled classified material and noted Hegseth had authority to declassify information, it concluded his conduct violated department rules and recommended additional training for Pentagon officials. Hegseth reportedly declined an interview with investigators, and his office called the review a "total exoneration."

For Context: In April, reports revealed Hegseth and Cabinet officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, participated in Signal discussions about strikes on Houthi targets. One of these inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic (Left bias), while a second group message reportedly included Hegseth's wife and brother. Multiple current and former military officials said the details shared wouldn't normally be permitted on an unsecured platform. The Yemen operation was part of the US-led effort to counter Houthi attacks on commercial and military shipping.

How the Media Covered It: Outlets across the political spectrum noted the chat put US military personnel at risk and comes amid ongoing criticism of Hegseth. The Atlantic said the report may "compound" concerns from both Trump administration officials and others who have questioned Hegseth's management style, citing infighting among aides and a focus on personnel issues over military operations. Newsmax (Right) said the report comes as Hegseth is also facing bipartisan scrutiny over US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean. Straight Arrow News (Center) noted many Democratic lawmakers were seeking Hegseth's resignation.

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