US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth has come under scrutiny after allegedly sharing detailed military strategies concerning operations against the Houthis in Yemen via a personal Signal group chat, which included his wife, lawyer, and brother. This revelation, confirmed by sources familiar with the situation, highlights ongoing concerns about Hegseth’s judgement, especially after he has dismissed key advisers, including his former press secretary John Ullyot and three senior officials.
The Defence Department is currently engulfed in turmoil, with leaks of sensitive military plans and a series of dismissals, sparking concerns from various quarters, including Ullyot, who indicated that the chaos represents a significant distraction for the Biden administration. The Department’s acting inspector general is investigating Hegseth’s communications, including the Signal chat, which reportedly was created for strategising during his confirmation hearing but was used thereafter for sensitive discussions.
This situation follows a tumultuous month marked by multiple incidents at the Pentagon, including a leak probe initiated by Hegseth and ongoing concerns regarding several classified military strategies that have been disseminated. These leaks have generated significant anxiety within Hegseth’s inner circle, prompting him to suspect his own advisers and senior military officials of undermining him.
Interestingly, while Hegseth’s brother and lawyer hold positions within the Department of Defence, his wife, who was often present in meetings related to international discussions, does not. The security clearance status of all participants in the Signal chat has not been disclosed.
Amidst these upheavals, three former aides—Caldwell, Selnick, and Carroll—have publicly disputed claims of leaking information that supposedly led to their dismissals. They expressed disappointment over their treatment, asserting their reputation and commitment to information security, and highlighted a lack of clarity regarding the investigation. In contrast, Hegseth’s press secretary has openly refuted claims linking the firings to leaks, suggesting internal backbiting and a pattern of misinformation within Hegseth’s team.
Overall, the unfolding events at the Pentagon raise significant doubts about Hegseth’s judgment as he navigates sensitive military operations while managing internal strife. Strong supporters of Hegseth, like Ullyot, admit the ongoing chaos signifies a serious setback for the administration, especially as the Pentagon is in the midst of critical military objectives in the Middle East and beyond.