Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces renewed scrutiny over his alleged use of private messaging platforms to share sensitive military information.
According to Fox News, Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., expressed strong disapproval of reports claiming Hegseth shared details about Yemen military operations in a second Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer.
The controversy stems from a New York Times report published Sunday, which alleged that Hegseth discussed information about March 15 strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen. This revelation follows previous allegations about a separate Signal chat that reportedly included an editor from The Atlantic.
Bacon, who serves on the House Armed Services Committee and is a retired military officer, emphasized his concerns about Hegseth's experience since his nomination. While his office clarified that he would not advise President Trump on personnel decisions, Bacon maintained a firm stance against such behavior.
The Nebraska representative's comments reflect growing tension within Republican ranks regarding the Defense Secretary's communication practices. His statement suggesting he "wouldn't tolerate it" as commander in chief carries significant weight given his military background.
White House officials have mounted a vigorous defense of Hegseth, with spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissing the allegations as attempts by disgruntled former employees to undermine the president's agenda.
President Trump rejected the reporting as "fake news" while praising Hegseth's leadership of the armed forces. The administration has consistently denied that any classified information was shared through the Signal messaging platform.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt reinforced the president's position during a Fox News appearance on Monday. She emphasized the administration's unwavering support for the Defense Secretary.
Hegseth himself addressed the controversy during the White House Easter Egg roll, where he said: "This is why we're fighting the fake news media. This group right here is full of hoaxsters."
The use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app with enhanced privacy features, has raised questions about the handling of sensitive military information. The platform's security measures ensure messages remain private to chat participants.
The administration maintains its position that no classified material was transmitted in either Signal chat. However, the controversy has prompted discussions about appropriate communication channels for high-ranking defense officials.
These developments come amid increasing scrutiny of information security practices within the Defense Department. The situation highlights the delicate balance between personal communication and national security protocols.
Pete Hegseth, Trump's Defense Secretary, faces mounting pressure over allegations of sharing sensitive Yemen military operation details in private Signal group chats. The controversy began with initial reports about a chat including an Atlantic editor and escalated with new claims about a second chat involving family members and his lawyer. As the White House and Trump administration maintain their support for Hegseth, Republican Representative Don Bacon's criticism highlights growing concerns about the Defense Secretary's communication practices and their potential implications for military operations security.
