The Pete Hegseth controversy intensified as the U.S. Department of Defense inspector-general prepared to release a report on his use of the messaging app Signal to discuss planned strikes against Houthi movement militants in Yemen.
Investigators found Hegseth shared operational details — including launch times and attack sequences — over a non-secure, commercial chat platform, potentially exposing sensitive military information. The chat inadvertently included a civilian journalist, which triggered an internal review.
Although the leaked messages originated from a document marked classified, the report stops short of accusing Hegseth of mishandling classified material; it does conclude he violated Pentagon rules by using unauthorized communication channels and putting troop safety at risk.
Even so, Hegseth’s office maintains that no classified information was disclosed through Signal. Meanwhile lawmakers and defense-policy experts warn the episode — widely dubbed “Signalgate” — could deepen doubts about operational security under his tenure.
The redacted version of the inspector-general’s report is set to be made public soon.