Pentagon watchdog says Hegseth's messaging created risks for US forces

A Pentagon inspector general report concluded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth created unnecessary operational security risks by using an unsecured messaging platform to share sensitive military information. The unclassified report, released Thursday, states Hegseth used a personal cell phone and the Signal app to transmit nonpublic details—including the number of U.S. aircraft and timing of planned strikes—hours before operations over hostile territory.

Report Contradicts Hegseth's Claims of No Risk

The findings directly contradict Hegseth's July statement to investigators that "there were no details that would endanger our troops or the mission." The watchdog determined that had the information been intercepted by adversaries such as Yemen's Houthi forces, they might have been able to counter U.S. forces or reposition assets to avoid strikes. While no breach occurred, the report states his actions "created a risk to operational security that could have resulted in failed U.S. mission objectives and potential harm to U.S. pilots."

Pentagon's Response and Ongoing Controversy

The Pentagon immediately pushed back, with chief spokesman Sean Parnell calling the review a "TOTAL exoneration" and stating "no classified information was shared." Hegseth echoed this, declaring the matter "closed." However, the report underscores a department-wide issue, noting the use of personal devices and unapproved apps "risks potential compromise of sensitive information," especially when sharing real-time operational details. The investigation is cited in an ongoing lawsuit seeking records of the secretary's communications.

Mounting Bipartisan Scrutiny

The report's release intensifies bipartisan criticism of Hegseth, who already faces scrutiny over operational security lapses and explanations regarding recent U.S. strikes in the Caribbean Sea. Some lawmakers have called for greater transparency and even his resignation. The inspector general made no specific recommendations regarding this incident, framing it as a symptom of a broader, systemic problem within the Defense Department regarding secure communications protocols.