The White House has initiated the search for a new Secretary of Defense, as reported by an anonymous U.S. official. This follows ongoing controversies involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. NPR has confirmed with the same official that Hegseth disclosed details regarding last month’s strikes in Yemen to his wife and brother through a Signal chat on his personal phone shortly after receiving an update from a senior U.S. military official. The New York Times first reported the existence of this second Signal group chat concerning the mission.
In March, Hegseth shared information about actions against Houthi targets in Yemen in a Signal chat meant for top White House officials, which inadvertently included a journalist.
In recent weeks, four senior advisers to Hegseth have resigned abruptly, with some being accused of leaking information. Each has publicly stated there is infighting within the Department of Defense.
Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, has denied any effort to replace Hegseth. She posted on X that President Trump “stands strongly” behind him.
This story is developing and will be updated as more information becomes available. It should be noted that Katherine Maher, the CEO of NPR, is the chair of the board of the Signal Foundation.
