Hegseth Under Pentagon Scrutiny for Signal Messages Shared Before Yemen Airstrikes

The Pentagon’s inspector general is investigating whether staffers for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were directed to delete Signal messages potentially containing sensitive military information about U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, according to two sources familiar with the matter and documents reviewed by the Associated Press.

The probe centers on a March 15 strike on Houthi targets and allegations that Hegseth shared operational details via the encrypted messaging app Signal, including in a group chat that mistakenly included a journalist. Some chats also involved Hegseth’s wife and brother, raising further concerns about the security of these communications.

The inspector general is seeking to determine who had access to Hegseth’s phone, who posted the messages, and whether any deletion of messages was requested. The investigation comes days before Hegseth is set to testify before Congress for the first time since his confirmation.

Hegseth has denied sharing classified information, calling the chats “informal, unclassified coordinations.” However, several current and former military officials say such details—especially shared before a strike—should never be sent via unsecured channels.

The controversy follows earlier revelations that Hegseth installed an unauthorized internet line in his Pentagon office, bypassing security protocols. He has yet to hold a press briefing since the incident.

The investigation was prompted by bipartisan concern from Senate Armed Services Committee leaders Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who warned the leak could have endangered U.S. pilots.

Signal, while encrypted, is not approved for classified military communications. A day before the strike, the Pentagon warned staff about the app’s vulnerabilities.

President Trump has stood by Hegseth, praising his leadership and minimizing the controversy. But pressure continues to mount ahead of next week's testimony.