In a recent disclosure, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly initiated another Signal messaging chat involving his wife and brother. This chat contained similar information about a military airstrike in Yemen targeting Houthi militants, mirroring details shared in another communication with top officials of the Trump administration. Information about this second chat was confirmed by a source familiar with its contents, who chose to remain anonymous due to the sensitive nature of the information.
The Signal chat, which is a commonly accessible application not sanctioned for transmitting national defense information, allegedly included 13 participants. Among the group were Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, a former producer at Fox News, and his brother, Phil Hegseth, who has ties to the Pentagon as a Department of Homeland Security liaison. Both have been involved in activities related to the defense sector, having accompanied Hegseth to important meetings.
Accusations of false claims being spread by disgruntled former employees were quickly rebutted by officials at both the White House and the Pentagon. Anna Kelly, the White House deputy press secretary, refuted the allegations, emphasizing that no classified data was shared. She criticized individuals attempting to undermine the administration’s work after their dismissal. Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell echoed this sentiment, suggesting that those relaying this information might have internal motives against the Secretary and President.
There are growing calls for Hegseth’s removal following these revelations. Critics, such as Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, argue that Hegseth endangered lives by sharing sensitive information and assert that Trump’s hesitation to act is a sign of weakness. These developments follow the exposure of an earlier chat group formed by national security adviser Mike Waltz, including several Cabinet members and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. This initial chat reportedly contained critical details about a planned strike on the Iran-supported Houthis in Yemen.
Hegseth has maintained that no classified materials or strategies were disclosed. However, a report indicates this second chat replicated information on warplane launch times, akin to those from the first chat. Some experts have voiced that such operational details should be classified, as they can jeopardize military personnel by preemptively exposing strategic plans.
Currently, the Defense Department’s acting inspector general is investigating Hegseth’s use of Signal at the Senate Armed Services Committee’s behest. Notably, Senator Jack Reed expressed significant concerns regarding these actions, advocating for a thorough investigation of the second chat, highlighting the risk it posed to U.S. military members and their operations.
The situation adds to existing tensions within the Pentagon. A sweeping investigation is underway after four of Hegseth’s associates left the department amidst allegations of information leaks. These individuals included Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick, with their departures raising questions about internal practices and potential breaches. Moreover, John Ullyot, a former Pentagon spokesperson, tendered his resignation, although officials indicate this move was unrelated to the ongoing scandal.
Furthermore, these tumultuous developments within the defense sector are unfolding as the Pentagon reviews its internal communication protocols to prevent further mishandling of sensitive information.