Revelation of Defense Secretary's Use of Personal Signal Group Raises Concerns

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly disclosed intricate details regarding a military operation targeting the Houthis in Yemen through a personal Signal group chat, accessible via his personal phone. This chat included an intimate circle consisting of his wife, lawyer, and brother, according to three sources familiar with the matter reported to CNN.

This communication channel was originally established amid the intense scrutiny of Hegseth’s confirmation hearings as a tool for his closest confidants to coordinate strategies, according to two of the sources. However, even after securing confirmation, Hegseth continued to engage in this chat, which reportedly included over a dozen participants, as claimed by the same sources.

This disclosure occurs as certain advisors close to Hegseth have begun expressing concerns about his decision-making abilities. Among those raising alarms are his former press secretary, John Ullyot, and three senior officials whom Hegseth dismissed last week. These officials include his chief advisor Dan Caldwell, deputy chief of staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, who served as the chief of staff to the deputy secretary of defense.