The acting Inspector General of the Pentagon, Steven Stebbins, is set to undertake an examination of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging application for discussing military operations. This decision comes in response to a joint request from the top Democrat and the Republican chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee for an investigation into this incident, which was initially reported by Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic. Concerns have been raised regarding whether Hegseth and other high-level national security officials improperly disclosed classified information on an encrypted messaging app while deliberating over a military strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
In a letter to Stebbins, Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., expressed that if the reports are accurate, there are significant questions surrounding the utilization of unclassified communication networks to discuss sensitive and classified material and the distribution of such information to individuals without appropriate clearance.
Additionally, Senator Reed issued a statement on Thursday indicating his approval of the inquiry, stating that both the White House and Hegseth have attempted to mislead the public regarding this matter. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, labeling it a substantial failure.
Stebbins explained that the investigation aims to assess whether the Secretary of Defense and other Department of Defense (DoD) personnel adhered to DoD policies and procedures regarding the use of a commercial messaging application for official purposes. This review will also scrutinize compliance with classification and records retention standards.
Stebbins assumed the role of acting inspector general after President Trump dismissed several inspectors general across the government soon after taking office in January.
Hegseth has strongly refuted any claims that classified war plans were discussed using Signal. However, Goldberg reported that Hegseth shared details about targets, weaponry, and attack sequences, which critics, including Reed, argue endangered U.S. servicemembers before the airstrikes commenced.
The White House, on Monday, concluded its separate review on how Goldberg was inadvertently included in the group chat. It asserted that none of the shared information was classified, though it was sensitive. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated the case is closed at the White House, ensured corrective measures have been taken, and emphasized moving forward, without specifying those measures.
It is noted that Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, chairs the board of the Signal Foundation.
