Top Democrats are demanding the resignation of US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth after he reportedly leaked sensitive military plans regarding upcoming airstrikes in Yemen. The leak, which occurred on 15 March 2025, involved the sharing of detailed strike information on the messaging app Signal. The National Security Council has confirmed the authenticity of the leak, which included information on targets, weapons systems, and the strike sequence, raising serious concerns over national security.
Leak Details Spark National Outrage
The leaked information was shared via Signal, a messaging app not authorized for use with classified material. Just two hours after the leak, the US launched coordinated airstrikes against Houthi positions in Yemen. The details were received by a journalist from The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, who reported the specifics of the planned strikes, including the timing, weapons, and targets.
This breach has sent shockwaves through both political and military circles, with growing calls for accountability. The National Security Council has verified that the leaked messages are indeed authentic, prompting demands for a full investigation into how the breach occurred.
Pressure Grows on Hegseth
Democratic leaders have expressed their outrage over the security lapse, calling Hegseth “unfit to lead” and urging his immediate resignation. Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin said, “Our troops deserve competent leadership, and we cannot leave national security in the hands of someone so unqualified.”
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries described the breach as “outrageous” and criticized the use of Signal to share classified information. Jeffries is pushing for an inquiry into the incident, calling on Republicans to join Democrats in investigating the matter. “Hegseth might be the most unqualified person to lead the Pentagon in US history,” Jeffries said during a press briefing.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned the breach, calling it “one of the most shocking intelligence failures in recent memory.” Schumer expressed deep concern over the use of unauthorized messaging apps for sharing national security information. “Adding a civilian to this group was reckless. But using Signal is even worse,” Schumer stated.
Republican Reactions: Mixed but Growing Concern
While most Republicans have refrained from calling for Hegseth’s resignation, they have expressed concern over the leak’s implications. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who faced her own email controversy years ago, reacted with disbelief. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” she said, posting the The Atlantic article with an emoji expressing her shock.
On the Senate side, Senator John Kennedy of Louisiana downplayed the incident, describing it as a “mistake” that “happens.” However, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and confirmed that a bipartisan investigation was underway. Wicker said, “We are very concerned, and we will look into this thoroughly with colleagues from both parties.”
Meanwhile, Texas Senator John Cornyn was more vocal, calling the inclusion of a journalist in the group “a huge screw-up” and stressing the gravity of the leak. “Honestly, is there any other way to describe it?” Cornyn stated.
The Call for Accountability and Security Reform
As the controversy surrounding the leak continues to unfold, questions remain about security protocols at the Pentagon. Military experts and political leaders alike are concerned about the ease with which classified information was shared through a civilian app. Some fear that the leak could signal broader systemic issues with military communications and judgment at the highest levels of the Pentagon.
Although the GOP remains divided on the issue of Hegseth’s resignation, the pressure on the Defence Secretary is mounting. The growing bipartisan concern underscores the need for stronger measures to protect classified information and prevent future breaches of this magnitude.
Investigations and Reforms
As calls for accountability intensify, lawmakers from both parties are pushing for a full investigation into how the leak happened and what steps need to be taken to prevent such a security failure from occurring again. Experts suggest that strengthening internal communication protocols and limiting access to sensitive information could help avoid similar breaches in the future.
The incident also raises broader questions about the transparency and accountability of government officials in handling classified information. As this story continues to develop, all eyes will be on the Pentagon, the White House, and Congress to determine the next steps in addressing the leak and ensuring national security is not compromised in the future.
