Watchdog Finds Hegseth Shared Classified War Plans on Signal, Endangering Troops
A newly completed Pentagon watchdog review concludes that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth risked exposing U.S. military personnel by sending “SECRET/NOFORN” strike-planning details through the encrypted messaging app Signal, according to multiple sources familiar with the classified report.
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The incident stems from a March Signal group chat used by senior Trump administration officials during planning for U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The chat—which mistakenly included a reporter—contained precise operational details, including fighter-jet launch times, planned missile strikes, and other real-time targeting information.
The mission ultimately succeeded and no troops were harmed, but the Department of Defense Inspector General found that Hegseth’s decision to relay classified content on an unapproved, non-secure platform violated Pentagon communication rules. The strike data was originally distributed via a “SECRET/NOFORN” email from CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Kurilla, a designation that strictly restricts sharing and prohibits transmission outside approved classified systems.
Hegseth has repeatedly denied sharing war plans on Signal, saying earlier this year, “Nobody was texting war plans.” But the watchdog’s findings sharply contradict those claims, concluding the information was specific enough to compromise operational security if intercepted.
Congressional oversight is now intensifying. Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee are preparing to seek a public version of the inspector general’s report and may call witnesses once a redacted release is issued.
National-security experts warn that similar conduct by lower-ranking personnel would typically trigger disciplinary action. Critics say the episode highlights a broader breakdown of secure communication protocols inside the Trump administration’s defense leadership.
A redacted public report is expected in the coming days.