The Pentagon’s acting inspector general has opened an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to communicate details of military strikes in Yemen. The review will examine whether Hegseth and other defense officials violated security protocols by using an app that is not approved for sharing classified information.

Mistaken Addition of Journalist Exposes Use of Signal

The controversy began when The Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat that included top government officials. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz mistakenly invited Goldberg to the chat, which was discussing U.S. military operations against Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen.

The chat reportedly included high-ranking officials such as:

• Vice President J.D. Vance
• Secretary of State Marco Rubio
• Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard

Discussions in the chat focused on a planned March 15 strike targeting Houthi positions. According to reports, Hegseth shared exact timings of aircraft launches and bomb drops, details that are typically classified. Current and former military officials have raised concerns about whether these discussions compromised national security.

Goldberg, realizing the sensitive nature of the conversation, left the chat immediately. However, the incident raised alarms in Washington over the use of Signal for high-level military communications.

Inspector General Opens Investigation

Following public outcry, Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins announced a formal review. The investigation will focus on:

• Whether Hegseth and other officials followed official communication protocols
• If Signal was used to transmit classified information
• Whether this violated the Department of Defense’s (DoD) security policies
• Compliance with records retention laws

The review was launched after members of the Senate Armed Services Committee—Republican Senator Roger Wicker and Democratic Senator Jack Reed—demanded an inquiry. Both senators expressed concern over the potential security risks posed by using commercial messaging apps for military planning.

During a recent hearing, Senator Reed stated, “If these reports are accurate, this is a serious lapse in security procedures. The Department of Defense must ensure all classified material is handled properly, no matter the circumstances.”

White House Dismisses Concerns

Despite growing concerns, the Trump administration has downplayed the situation. Officials described the incident as a “glitch” and insisted that no classified material was shared.

President Donald Trump himself commented briefly on the matter, saying, “These guys are doing a great job. This is just a misunderstanding. The real problem is the leaks.”

Hegseth has not made a public statement but is expected to testify before the Senate Armed Services Committee if the investigation escalates.

Security Experts Warn of Risks

National security analysts have warned that using unauthorized messaging apps like Signal for government discussions poses a serious security risk. Signal offers end-to-end encryption, making messages difficult to intercept, but it is not certified for transmitting classified material.

A former intelligence officer, speaking anonymously, said, “Even though Signal is secure, it is not part of the government’s approved systems. If officials are using it for sensitive discussions, that’s a violation of protocol.”

Another concern is records retention. Government officials are required to maintain records of their communications, but messages sent on Signal disappear automatically unless manually saved. This raises legal questions about whether important military decisions were properly documented.

Broader Implications for Digital Security

This case has reignited a larger debate about how government officials communicate sensitive information in the digital age. While official government communication channels exist, many officials prefer the ease and convenience of private apps like Signal, WhatsApp, or Telegram.

This is not the first time government use of private messaging apps has raised concerns. In the past:

• Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server sparked controversy during her time as Secretary of State.
• Trump administration officials were previously criticized for using encrypted messaging apps to discuss official business.
• In 2023, the CIA warned against over-reliance on commercial apps, citing increased risks of foreign surveillance.

Cybersecurity expert Rachel Benson stated, “The convenience of these apps makes them tempting, but they are not meant for handling classified materials. The government needs to enforce clear rules and hold officials accountable.”

The Pentagon’s review is ongoing, and officials could face disciplinary action if violations are confirmed. If classified information was shared improperly, it could lead to policy changes on digital communication within the U.S. government.

For now, Defense Secretary Hegseth remains in his position, but the results of the investigation could shape how future administrations handle digital security.