The Pentagon’s Inspector General has opened an investigation into Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. He reportedly used the Signal messaging app to discuss details of airstrikes on Yemen. This move comes after a leaked group chat surfaced, involving top Trump administration officials, including Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
Leaked Chat Raises Eyebrows
According to AFP, the group chat focused on military operations against Yemen’s Huthi rebels. Surprisingly, The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was mistakenly added to the chat. This accidental inclusion exposed sensitive discussions about military tactics.
Investigation Focuses on Protocol Breaches
Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins confirmed the probe in a memo. His office will check if Hegseth and others violated rules by using a commercial app for official duties. They will also assess whether participants broke security protocols or federal record-keeping laws.
Bipartisan Concerns Prompted Action
The investigation began after both the Republican and Democratic leaders on the Senate Armed Services Committee requested it. Their concern stemmed from the nature of the information shared and the platform used.
Details of Strikes Accidentally Shared
The Atlantic magazine was the first to report the incident. Once added to the Signal group, Goldberg accessed messages containing the timing of airstrikes, types of aircraft and missiles used, and real-time intelligence from the operation’s aftermath.
White House Denies Sharing Classified Info
Although the White House claimed no classified details were exchanged, the controversy deepened when The Atlantic published the chat messages. These revelations sparked outrage and increased scrutiny.
Court Orders Preservation of Messages
Now, a judge has directed the Trump administration to retain all Signal messages exchanged between March 11 and March 15. That timeframe matches the period of both the active group chat and the airstrikes.
Auto-Delete Feature Raises Legal Questions
Some Signal messages were set to automatically disappear within one to four weeks. This feature triggered concerns about potential violations of federal laws requiring proper documentation of government records.
Trump Points Finger at Waltz, Defends Strikes
Former President Donald Trump blamed Mike Waltz for the accidental leak. However, he refused to demand any resignations. Instead, he defended the airstrikes and called them a success.
Background: Huthis Disrupt Global Shipping
Since the Gaza conflict escalated in 2023, the Huthi rebels have disrupted shipping routes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. In retaliation, the US began launching near-daily airstrikes on Huthi targets starting March 15.