Daijiworld Media Network - Washington
Washington, Apr 22: US defense secretary Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny after reports revealed he shared sensitive information about a military operation against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on the unsecure Signal messaging app. The incident occurred last month, just minutes after Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, provided Hegseth with classified details about the operation through a secure US government system.
Kurilla sent Hegseth information about the timing of U.S. fighter jets' strikes against Houthi targets. However, within 10 minutes, Hegseth allegedly forwarded the same details to two group chats on Signal, one of which included cabinet-level officials and their designees, and the other included his family members, including his wife, brother, and aides. One of the group chats reportedly included an editor from The Atlantic magazine.
This revelation has sparked concerns about Hegseth’s handling of sensitive information, especially after an aide had reportedly warned him to avoid sharing such data over unsecure communication channels. Hegseth and the Pentagon have denied that classified material was shared, with Hegseth defending his actions by claiming the information shared over Signal was “informal, unclassified” and related to media coordination.
The incident has triggered political debate, with some questioning Hegseth’s qualifications for the role, given his previous lack of experience in defense matters. US Rep Don Bacon, a Republican on the House Armed Services Committee and retired Air Force general, called for Hegseth’s resignation, expressing concerns over his leadership.
Despite growing pressure, President Donald Trump has publicly backed Hegseth, stating that “everybody’s happy with him” and dismissing the media reports as “smears.” Two unnamed Trump advisers also downplayed the calls for Hegseth’s removal, insisting there were no discussions about firing him.
This situation raises questions about the handling of sensitive national security information and the consequences of sharing such details through unsecured communication channels, especially within the context of family members and close associates who do not have the necessary clearance to access classified information.