President Donald Trump publicly defended Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following reports of leaked military details via the Signal messaging app. Trump told reporters: “Pete’s doing a great job,” and dismissed the controversy as “the same old stuff from the media.”
- Leaked Signal Chat Shared Sensitive Military Info
According to CBS and the New York Times, Hegseth reportedly shared details of US airstrikes on Yemen with a private Signal chat group including his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. The messages allegedly included American F/A-18 Hornet flight schedules. - White House Denies Classified Info Was Shared
While the White House acknowledges the existence of the chat group, officials claim no classified information was disclosed. Critics, however, warn the group still discussed sensitive operational details. - Controversial Involvement of Hegseth’s Inner Circle
Hegseth’s wife Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, holds no Pentagon role but was part of the chat. His brother Phil and attorney Tim Parlatore are employed by the Department of Defense, yet their need for access to strike information is unclear. - Second Signal Chat Raises More Red Flags
The new group, titled “Defense | Team Huddle,” was reportedly created by Hegseth himself. It is separate from a previously leaked Signal chat, which included National Security Adviser Mike Waltz and journalist Jeffrey Goldberg by mistake. - Experts Warn About Signal Use for Military Planning
Despite end-to-end encryption, security experts say Signal is unsuitable for sharing sensitive military information. Government-approved secure channels are standard for such communication to prevent unauthorized access or leaks. - Critics from Within the Pentagon Speak Out
Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, who resigned recently, described the department as being in “total chaos” in an op-ed. He claimed Hegseth and his team spread falsehoods about departing officials and warned that dysfunction is now distracting the President. - Internal Fallout: Firings and Accusations
Hegseth recently fired three senior Pentagon officials, accusing them of unauthorized disclosures. In response, the dismissed officials denied leaking information and accused Hegseth of scapegoating them. - Trump and Hegseth United on Messaging
Hegseth echoed Trump’s sentiment, attributing the media coverage to “leakers” and “hoaxsters.” He insists the President is fully aligned with him and labeled the press as enemies of the administration’s agenda. - Ongoing Tensions with the Media
The administration and Pentagon have accused media outlets of biased reporting. Sean Parnell, Pentagon spokesman, said the “Trump-hating media” is targeting loyalists and spreading misinformation. - Broader Context: Yemen Strikes and Red Sea Security
The US has conducted multiple airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, citing retaliation for attacks on Red Sea shipping. The Houthis, aligned with Iran, have targeted vessels in protest of Israeli operations in Gaza. - Heavy Casualties from US Airstrikes in Yemen
The Houthi-run health ministry reported 74 deaths and 171 injuries in a recent US strike on a Yemeni oil terminal. These operations have intensified global concerns over regional stability.