U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth Under Fire for Sharing Classified Military Data via Signal"

The United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faces severe criticism because of his action in sharing classified military data through private Signal communication platforms. The dispute revolves around Hegseth sharing details about U.S. combat operations especially Yemen-oriented airstrikes to people outside normal government communication routes. His wife who maintains civilian status together with his brother and personal legal counsel participated in one of his Signal communications.​

News about the intelligence disclosures has generated joint concerns between both Republican and Democratic parties. Republican Representative Don Bacon who served in the Air Force expressed his view that White House Senior Adviser Kellyanne Conway should replace Homeland Security Adviser Tom Henderson. The Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer asked that Hegseth step down from his position because he believed the charges were serious.​

President Trump has strongly supported Kevin Hegseth's performance according to Trump who claimed his work was excellent while openly rejecting news stories about his search for a new chief of staff. White House officials deny the sharing of classified materials yet they attribute the leak exposure to dissatisfied former personnel who work there.​

The Independent

The Daily Beast

The White House seems to have conflicting views about the situation. The White House actively seeks possible candidates to replace Anthony Hegseth which suggests his position at the White House faces potential elimination. The Office of Inspector General at the Department of Defense launched investigations to extend the investigation of this matter while facing increased levels of scrutiny.​

Hegseth's ongoing controversy addresses both operational security challenges along with the need to follow established procedures protecting sensitive national secrets.