**The Department of Defense's inspector general has launched an investigation into Pete Hegseth's use of Signal to communicate sensitive military matters, following a scandal that has elicited demands for resignations.**
**Pentagon Investigates Use of Signal App in Military Communications**
**Pentagon Investigates Use of Signal App in Military Communications**
**Controversy arises over potentially sensitive information shared on messaging platform.**
The US Department of Defense's inspector general has initiated a formal inquiry into Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app after a significant security breach. This investigation follows an incident where a journalist was accidentally included in a group chat where detailed discussions regarding military operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen took place. The request for the probe came from the Senate Armed Services Committee, controlled by Republicans, urging clarity about potential violations of defense department protocols for discussing official state matters via unconventional channels.
Acting inspector general Steven Stebbins addressed Hegseth in a letter outlining the terms of the inquiry, which will assess whether officials, including the defense secretary, adhered to established regulations on utilizing messaging apps for sensitive communications. Specifically, the review will ensure compliance with classification standards and record-keeping mandates.
This scrutiny emerged after Atlantic magazine's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was unwittingly invited to the chat in March, where Hegseth revealed intricate details about timing and operational specifics of the military strikes, sparking concerns from various political factions. Democratic leaders have intensified calls for resignations from Hegseth as well as National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who initiated the chat, while the Trump administration contends that the information shared was not classified.
The inspector general’s letter has asked Hegseth within five days to provide two contacts familiar with the incident — including a senior government official or General/Flag Officer. The investigation will unfold in Washington, D.C., and at the U.S. Central Command headquarters based in Tampa, Florida.
During a news conference, Attorney General Pam Bondi confirmed awareness of the ongoing investigation, clarifying that she has yet to receive any referrals for potential action based on the findings. On March 26, Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, Republican Roger Wicker and Democrat Jack Reed, formally requested the Pentagon watchdog to investigate the nature of messages exchanged in the Signal chat, alongside the larger implications on the defense department's policy regarding the sharing of sensitive data through non-governmental platforms.
As the inquiry progresses, questions loom over the appropriateness of using unclassified networks for sensitive discussions among top officials.
