Trouble at the Pentagon: Why Pete Hegseth Is Under Fire

On December 3, 2025, a report from the Pentagon’s independent watchdog cast serious doubts on the judgment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth — raising fresh concerns about his conduct and the risks posed to U.S. troops.

What Happened: Signal Chat, Sensitive War Plans, and a Media Leak

According to several sources familiar with the watchdog’s findings, Hegseth used the encrypted messaging app Signal on his personal device earlier this year to circulate precise operational details about a planned strike in Yemen against militant targets.

The chat reportedly included senior Trump‑administration security officials — and, unknowingly, a journalist. When the journalist was mistakenly invited, the leak made global headlines.

Some messages in the group described when the bombs would drop.

The content was drawn from a classified “SECRET/NOFORN” email originally transmitted via secure Pentagon channels.

In short: war‑time planning was shared — on an unsecured messaging platform, with un‑vetted recipients, and sometimes outside the official secure record-keeping system.

The Watchdog’s Verdict — Risk, Not a Crime (… yet)

The report finds Hegseth violated Pentagon protocols by using a personal device and an unclassified chat to handle highly sensitive operational data.

However it stops short of accusing him of mishandling classified material — because, as Defense Secretary, Hegseth technically has “original classification authority,” meaning he can declassify information at his discretion.

Still: the watchdog concluded the messaging method put U.S. personnel and missions at risk. Senior lawmakers from both parties have criticized the move as reckless and demanded reforms.

Bigger Picture: A Pattern of Disputes Over Hegseth’s Leadership

This scandal isn’t occurring in isolation. Hegseth has already drawn scrutiny over…

Directing controversial and lethal maritime strikes on suspected drug‑smuggling boats — a campaign that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of dozens and triggered bipartisan investigations.

Drastic policy changes at the Pentagon, including tighter press restrictions that prompted many major news outlets to surrender their Pentagon press passes.

Critics say what we’re seeing reflects a broader pattern: a Defense Secretary who repeatedly seems willing to stretch, or sidestep, norms and protocols.
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Hegseth’s Defense — Authority, Denials, and Defiance

Hegseth and the Pentagon responded by saying “no classified information was leaked.” The spokesperson described the inspector general’s conclusion as a “total exoneration” — while acknowledging Hegseth’s authority to declassify and the absence of evidence that the declassification power was misused.

Hegseth declined to sit for an interview, instead answering written questions. Critics responded that such avoidance underscores his lack of transparency and poor judgment.

As one top Democrat put it: the report “confirmed that by using an unsecured group chat on his personal phone, he created unacceptable risks for American pilots.”

What Comes Next

A redacted version of the watchdog report is expected to be released publicly later this week. Meanwhile, lawmakers have renewed calls for improved security protocols across the Defense Department — and a closer evaluation of whether Hegseth remains fit to hold this office.