Pentagon Initiates Inquiry into Hegseth's Signal Messaging Conduct

An investigation into Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal might lead to deeper scrutiny of communication protocols within the Department of Defense following a scandal that has prompted bipartisan calls for accountability.

The inspector general of the U.S. Department of Defense has commenced an investigation into Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app, specifically regarding discussions with top officials about military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This inquiry has been initiated following a controversy where a journalist mistakenly joined a group chat that included detailed discussions of military operations. The Senate Armed Services Committee, led by Republicans, is requesting clarity regarding whether the defense secretary and associates adhered to department protocols concerning the use of apps for official communication.

Acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, has notified Hegseth that the investigation will also encompass adherence to classification guidelines and records management standards. The media scrutiny intensified when Atlantic magazine’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently invited to the chat earlier in March while Hegseth communicated the timings of the planned military actions and specifics of weaponry involved. This triggered calls for Hegseth as well as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who initiated the chat, to resign, emphasizing concerns over the sharing of sensitive information.

The Trump administration has defended the actions, asserting that the information released in the chat lacked classified status. To facilitate the inquiry, the inspector general's office has requested that Hegseth provide two contacts within five days, including one familiar with the matter and a high-ranking official, with reviews set to occur in both Washington D.C. and at U.S. Central Command in Tampa, Florida. During a press briefing, Attorney General Pam Bondi mentioned she was aware of the inquiry but noted that no cases resulting from the probe had been referred to her yet.

On March 26, Senate Armed Services Committee chairman Roger Wicker and ranking Democrat Jack Reed formally requested that the Pentagon's inspector general investigate the contents shared in the Signal messaging application and evaluate the Pentagon’s policies regarding sensitive information disseminated via non-governmental channels. Their letter highlighted significant concerns over the use of unclassified networks for discussions involving sensitive and classified information, underscoring the potential implications of this situation for national security.