The Defense Department Inspector General’s report found that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared classified information regarding a military operation in Yemen via an unclassified Signal chat. This information, marked as “secret,” included details about the timing of U.S. strikes and could have endangered American troops if intercepted. Furthermore, the report concluded that Hegseth violated military regulations by using his personal phone for official business, although the inspector general did not address if proper steps were taken to declassify the shared information. Despite the findings, a Pentagon spokesman stated that the review was a “TOTAL exoneration” and declared the matter closed, while Senator Mark Kelly noted the violation of regulations and cautioned against future occurrences.
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Following the “Signalgate” incident, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s influence within the Trump administration has significantly diminished, leading to his exclusion from high-level discussions regarding potential strikes on Iran. A smaller, “Tier One” group—including Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Rubio, CIA Director Ratcliffe, and General Caine—now advises the President on military and intelligence matters. Key briefings and war planning are conducted without Hegseth’s involvement, despite Pentagon claims to the contrary. This shift reflects President Trump’s increasing reliance on military leaders and intuition over formal cabinet advice, mirroring a similar decline in influence for Director of National Intelligence Gabbard.
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Senator Mark Warner strongly criticized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, deeming him the “worst” and calling for his removal. Warner cited incidents such as “Signalgate” as evidence of Hegseth’s incompetence, arguing these failures compromise national security. This criticism follows President Trump’s recent removal and subsequent reassignment of Mike Waltz. Warner’s assertion highlights growing concerns about Hegseth’s leadership within the Department of Defense.
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Following the “Signalgate” controversy, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was photographed using the encrypted messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, despite warnings from President Trump. This, coupled with the inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive Signal group chat, led to Waltz’s dismissal. Simultaneously, his deputy was also removed. However, President Trump subsequently nominated Waltz as the next U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
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House Democrats, leveraging privileged resolutions of inquiry, are demanding accountability from Secretary of Defense Hegseth regarding U.S. actions in Yemen and handling of classified information, particularly concerning his use of Signal. Republicans, however, have employed a procedural tactic, delaying all resolutions of inquiry until September 30th, effectively stalling the Democratic investigation. This delay is strategically embedded within unrelated resolutions targeting President Biden. The Republican maneuver aims to prevent scrutiny of Hegseth’s actions, dubbed “Signalgate.”
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Former Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard defended the Trump administration’s use of Signal, highlighting its secure communication capabilities while emphasizing the app’s prior use by Biden administration officials, including Jake Sullivan and Antony Blinken. Gabbard attributed the continued use to the app’s practicality for secure communication, stressing the need for secure options, despite recent “Signalgate” leaks revealing sensitive information shared within a Trump administration group chat. She criticized Democrats for overlooking this prior usage under the Biden administration.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of his personal phone number in a Signal chat group, containing sensitive information about U.S. military actions, has raised serious security concerns. His number was readily available online across various platforms, including social media and review sites, making him a prime target for sophisticated hacking attempts. Experts warn that this easily accessible information could have enabled adversaries to install spyware on his phone, compromising national security. The incident, dubbed “Signalgate,” further intensifies pressure on Hegseth’s position.
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Representative Ilhan Omar is drafting articles of impeachment against three Trump administration officials: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. The officials are implicated in a Signal group chat where they allegedly discussed and celebrated the bombing of civilians in Yemen, potentially violating international law and the Federal Records Act. The impeachment articles will likely detail these actions and the officials’ use of an insecure messaging app to discuss classified information. While passage is unlikely, Omar’s move will force a public vote on the matter.
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National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s use of Signal, the app at the center of “Signalgate,” extended beyond the infamous Yemen strike chat. He reportedly used the app for multiple group chats discussing sensitive national security matters with Trump administration officials, including conversations about Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations and military operations. While President Trump’s anger stemmed primarily from Waltz’s contact with a journalist he dislikes, the incident raised concerns about the handling of classified information. The White House has not yet commented on these new revelations regarding the scope of Waltz’s Signal usage.
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A YouGov poll reveals that 74% of Americans consider the Signalgate incident—the discussion of Yemen strike plans on a messaging app including a journalist—a serious problem, with even 60% of Republicans agreeing. While the White House dismisses the matter, some prominent Republicans, like Tomi Lahren, are urging the administration to acknowledge the error. Senator Ted Cruz called the journalist’s inclusion a mistake but rejected calls for an investigation. Growing pressure is mounting on Trump to dismiss National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for his role in the incident.
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John Q. Hosedrinker