Camilla Jessen
Pentagon says Signal use put troops at risk
A long-running Pentagon inquiry has concluded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth exposed U.S. military operations to unnecessary danger by using the encrypted messaging app Signal during an active strike in Yemen, according to reporting from Politico and CNN.
Three people familiar with the findings told Politico the review raises concerns about real-time chatter on commercial platforms during sensitive missions.
The inspector general is expected to release two reports, ending a nine-month investigation that scrutinised both Hegseth’s communication practices and broader security gaps inside the department.
Messaging under scrutiny
According to Politico, the first report found Hegseth did not technically break classification rules because he has the authority to declassify information before sending it.
CNN reported, however, that the review determined his decision to discuss an ongoing operation on Signal risked exposing tactics and endangering U.S. troops.
The inquiry stems from a Signal chat group created to coordinate strikes on the Iran-backed Houthi movement in Yemen.
The thread came to light after The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, prompting bipartisan calls for oversight.
Systemic security gaps
The second inspector-general report, sources told Politico, points to a wider issue: the Pentagon still lacks a secure, government-issued messaging platform capable of real-time coordination.
That shortfall, they said, leaves senior officials relying on private apps that fail to meet federal security standards.
Lawmakers from both parties, including Senate Armed Services Committee chair Roger Wicker and ranking member Jack Reed, pressed for the watchdog review earlier this year.
Both declined to comment on the findings when asked on Wednesday.
Reactions and refusals
Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said: “The inspector general’s review completely exonerates Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along: no classified information was disclosed. This matter is resolved, and the case is closed.”
According to a person who has read the report, Hegseth declined an interview with investigators and instead provided a written statement.
The same source said the review relied heavily on screenshots published by The Atlantic and that Hegseth turned over only “a few” of his messages.
Senator Markwayne Mullin, who reviewed the classified report in a secure room, said Hegseth acted appropriately.
Senator Eric Schmitt dismissed the findings as “irrelevant” and part of an “endless series of efforts to undermine Pete Hegseth.
Sources: Politico, CNN, The Atlantic.
