The Atlantic has uncovered a significant breach of protocol involving U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, who reportedly shared precise details about military operations against Yemen’s Houthis through an unclassified Signal chat. This information included the exact timings for warplane launches and when bombs would detonate, raising serious concerns about operational security.
The release of this chat led to intense scrutiny, as U.S. intelligence and defence agencies scrambled to explain how classified information ended up in an unclassified forum, which included Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt vehemently denied that classified material was shared, despite the sensitive nature of the information.
In light of these revelations, Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Democrat Senator Jack Reed are seeking an inspector general investigation into the chat’s usage and have requested a classified briefing to clarify the circumstances surrounding it. Notably, the Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman was excluded from the discussion, raising further questions about military representation in critical national security matters.
Despite multiple requests for commentary, the Pentagon refrained from discussing these issues, while Hegseth has declined to confirm whether classified information was disseminated, merely asserting he did not disclose any “war plans.” His spokesperson, however, acknowledged that Hegseth shared tactical updates.
The content of the chat included specific and sensitive military language detailing strike windows, target locations, and timing for various strikes—information typically reserved for a select audience to maintain operational effectiveness. Hegseth reassured participants that they were “currently clean” regarding operational security.
Despite claims that no classified information was shared, it is undisputed that the specificity of details shared could jeopardise military operations and compromise security. The Atlantic reported that prior to the publication of the chat details, Goldberg had engaged with the White House to confirm that publishing them would not pose a risk; however, they advised against publication.
Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding Signal’s vulnerability to hacking, with a report indicating that Russia was attempting to exploit it, highlighting the risks tied to using such apps for sensitive communications. A U.S. official noted that there are ways for malicious actors to gain access to Signal chats, which complicates accountability and security.
Amidst this backdrop, tensions continue to rise regarding governance and transparency as the White House faces legal challenges from the Associated Press over fundamental First and Fifth Amendment issues, showcasing the ongoing friction between government officials and the media.