A recent Pentagon Inspector General’s report details Defense Secretary Hegseth’s actions, revealing he had a unique system installed in his secure office to access his personal cell phone. This system, which mirrored the phone’s content and connected it to a monitor and keyboard, was created to allow the secretary access to non-official communications. The report stemmed from an investigation into Hegseth’s use of Signal to share sensitive information about US airstrikes, potentially risking the safety of US military personnel. The investigation concluded that Hegseth’s actions created a risk to operational security, despite the secretary’s claims of no endangerment.
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A Pentagon watchdog found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked U.S. personnel and mission security by sharing sensitive information about a military strike against Yemen’s Houthi militants via the Signal app. The report concluded that Hegseth violated Pentagon policy by using a personal device for official business, recommending improved training for officials. The investigation was initiated after a journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal chat revealing details, including strike timings. Although Hegseth maintains the information was unclassified, lawmakers raised concerns, with some suggesting that such actions would warrant dismissal for lower-ranking military personnel.
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The FBI spied on a private Signal group chat of immigrants’ rights activists who were organizing “courtwatch” efforts in New York City. Law enforcement records show the FBI gained access to a Signal group coordinating volunteers monitoring federal immigration court proceedings and labeled the court watchers as “anarchist violent extremist actors.” The FBI’s report, which did not clarify how they accessed the group or provide evidence of the “extremist” claims, was shared with other law enforcement agencies. Critics have condemned the surveillance, noting the non-violent nature of courtwatch efforts and likening the actions to past FBI overreach.
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A senior White House official, Anthony Salisbury, inadvertently revealed plans to deploy the 82nd Airborne Division to Portland via Signal messages. The Minnesota Star Tribune obtained images of the messages, which were sent to other high-ranking officials, including a senior adviser to the US defense secretary, discussing the potential deployment due to potential backlash of using the army. While the defense secretary initially preferred the National Guard, Trump’s administration ultimately deployed 200 members of the National Guard, contradicting initial reports. This incident adds to a pattern of intelligence leaks within the Trump administration, highlighting security concerns.
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Following an internal investigation, two Mesa County Sheriff’s Office deputies have been disciplined for violating Colorado state law by sharing information with federal immigration agents, specifically through the use of a Signal chat. Alexander Zwinck, sued by the state’s attorney general, and Erik Olson received unpaid leave and were removed from the drug task force, which also included the discipline of two supervisors. The actions are a response to a new state law prohibiting local law enforcement from sharing identifying information with federal immigration officials, as several other states have passed similar legislation. The Sheriff has noted officers from other agencies were involved, with the Colorado State Patrol denying the claims.
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House Republicans blocked a Democratic attempt to investigate Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal to discuss military plans, preventing a potentially embarrassing vote for the Trump administration. This action, facilitated by a rule change, avoided a resolution of inquiry that could have passed with a few GOP defections. Speaker Mike Johnson defended the move, framing the Democrats’ effort as a political stunt, prioritizing preventing a vote rather than addressing concerns. The decision drew criticism from some Republicans, who argued for transparency and acknowledged Hegseth’s damaged credibility due to his actions.
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Despite prohibitions against personal electronic devices in classified areas, Hegseth used Signal on a Pentagon office computer, circumventing security protocols. This practice, potentially extending to his chief of staff, raises concerns about compliance with message preservation laws, given Signal’s disappearing message feature. Hegseth’s spokesperson denies current use, yet sources confirm past installation. The use was ostensibly for sending text messages from a computer.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s repeated sharing of sensitive military intelligence via unsecured Signal group chats has raised serious national security concerns. This behavior has not only weakened the Pentagon’s standing with foreign adversaries but also made Hegseth and his associates prime targets for espionage. Experts warn that such leaks, potentially revealing troop movements or attack plans, could lead to disastrous consequences, including the capture of personnel or even international incidents. Hegseth’s actions, coupled with his administration’s response, have undermined the US military’s overall power and credibility. Former officials sharply criticized his conduct, contrasting it with the strict operational security maintained under previous administrations.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth forwarded sensitive operational details regarding U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, received via secure channels from Gen. Michael Kurilla, to at least two unsecured Signal group chats. This action, occurring within minutes of receiving the information, contradicts prior warnings to Hegseth about using unsecure communication systems. While Hegseth and the Pentagon deny the information was classified, the incident raises concerns about his handling of sensitive military data and has prompted calls for his resignation from some Republicans. Despite these calls, President Trump continues to support Hegseth.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth vehemently denied allegations of leaking sensitive war plans via Signal, accusing reporters of peddling “hoaxes” based on anonymous sources. This incident follows a previous controversy involving similar disclosures on the messaging app. Hegseth’s outburst occurred at the White House Easter Egg Roll, with his family present, as he defended his actions and criticized the media. His recent purging of Pentagon aides and facing criticism from a former spokesman further highlight the ongoing turmoil within the Department of Defense.
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John Q. Hosedrinker