Pentagon to Probe Hegseth's Use of Signal in Yemen Strike Discussions

The Pentagon Inspector General's office has initiated an evaluation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the Signal messaging app to discuss strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen last month. The investigation, announced Thursday in a memo by Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins, aims to determine the extent to which Hegseth and other Department of Defense (DoD) personnel adhered to policies and procedures regarding the use of commercial messaging applications for official business.

“The objective of this evaluation is to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures for the use of a commercial messaging application for official business,” Stebbins stated in the memo. “Additionally, we will review compliance with classification and records retention requirements."

Background of the Investigation

The investigation was prompted by a request from the chairman and Ranking Member of the Armed Services Committee, following the publication of messages by The Atlantic that revealed Hegseth's use of Signal to discuss the strikes. According to The Atlantic, Hegseth texted specific weapons systems and launch times to a group chat before the planned operations on March 15, 2025. The report also raised concerns about the app's compliance with records preservation regulations due to its feature of automatically deleting messages after a week for some users.

Hegseth's Response and Congressional Scrutiny

Hegseth addressed the controversy last week, stating that “Nobody’s texting war plans.” He claimed the messages did not contain classified information such as unit locations, routes, flight paths, sources, methods, or any sensitive details. However, some lawmakers and experts have disputed this assertion, pointing out that the timing of the strikes revealed in the messages could be considered classified information.

The Inspector General Act of 1978 grants inspectors general access to personnel and materials necessary for their oversight functions. This legal authority empowers Stebbins to conduct a thorough investigation into Hegseth's actions. Notably, Stebbins assumed his role as the Pentagon's acting inspector general after President Trump fired several department watchdogs, including the previous Defense Department Inspector General, Robert Storch.

Political Fallout

The revelations surrounding Hegseth's use of Signal have sparked calls for his resignation from some Democrats. The controversy has also intensified scrutiny on the Pentagon's handling of classified information and its adherence to protocols regarding communication channels for sensitive military operations.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen what consequences, if any, Hegseth will face for his use of Signal. The outcome of the evaluation is likely to have significant implications for national security policies and the accountability of high-ranking officials within the Department of Defense.