Watchdog finds Hegseth jeopardized US troops and mission by using Signal

The Pentagons inspector general determined that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth endangered U.S. personnel and military missions by sharing sensitive operational details via the Signal messaging app during a strike on Houthi militants in Yemen, according to sources familiar with the report.

While Hegseth has the authority to declassify information, the review did not find that he misused this power, one source said on condition of anonymity. CNN first reported the findings.

The inspector generals report was delivered to lawmakers, who reviewed it in a secure facility at the Capitol. A partially redacted version is expected to be released to the public later this week.

The report intensifies scrutiny on Hegseth, a former Fox News host, after Congress called for an independent investigation into his use of the commercially available messaging platform. Lawmakers also launched inquiries into a follow-up strike in the Caribbean in September, where survivors of a drug-smuggling vessel were reportedly killed after Hegseth gave a verbal order to kill everybody. Hegseth described the strike as occurring in the fog of war and defended the subsequent actions, stating that the commanding admiral made the correct decision.

In at least two separate Signal groups, Hegseth shared precise timing of airstrikes, including when aircraft would launch and bombs would hit targetsinformation sent before U.S. forces were airborne. Signal is encrypted but not authorized for classified material and is outside the Defense Departments secure communications network. Hegseth maintains the information he shared was unclassified, though military officials say such specifics would not normally be allowed on unsecured devices.

The situation came to light when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a Signal chat by then-national security adviser Mike Waltz. The chat also included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and others, discussing a March 15 operation against Iran-backed Houthis. Hegseth also created a separate Signal group including his family members where similar operational details were shared.

The disclosure triggered criticism from lawmakers and military officials. Critics noted that posting strike details on an unsecured app could have endangered pilots and other personnel, a lapse for which lower-ranking service members would face serious consequences.

The inspector generals investigation was initiated at the request of Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, Sen. Roger Wicker and Sen. Jack Reed. Veterans and military families expressed concerns over the apparent disregard for strict operational security protocols.

The strikes against the Houthis were part of a broader U.S.-led campaign following attacks on commercial and military vessels in late 2023, amid tensions related to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The campaign significantly disrupted Red Sea trade, which typically handles $1 trillion in goods annually. U.S. naval operations in 2024 marked one of the most intense maritime engagements since World War II. A ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war temporarily eased tensions before U.S. operations against the Houthis resumed and concluded after promises to halt attacks on ships.

After the Signal chats were disclosed, The Atlantic released the full thread, revealing Hegseth shared detailed strike plans, including timing, targets, and weapon deployment. He defended the messages as informal, unclassified coordination for media purposes. During a congressional hearing in June, he declined to explicitly take accountability if classified information had been shared, stating only that he serves at the pleasure of the president.

Author: Logan Reeves