Pentagon Probes Hegseth Over Signal Message Deletion

The Pentagon's inspector general is investigating whether Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's aides were instructed to delete Signal messages that may have disclosed sensitive details about the March 15 U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen, including to The Atlantic's editor-in-chief, who was inadvertently added to a chat. The probe is examining who accessed Hegseth’s phone, who posted the information, and if non-secure channels were used inappropriately. Hegseth denies sharing classified information and insists the details were unclassified and for informal coordination, but current and former military officials argue such specifics should not be shared on unsecured devices. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized Hegseth, stating similar actions by lower-ranking personnel would likely result in disciplinary action. The investigation comes as Hegseth prepares for his first congressional testimony since confirmation, where he will address questions regarding the handling of sensitive information and recent Pentagon turmoil. The situation is further complicated by scrutiny over Hegseth’s installation of an unsecured internet line in his office, which bypassed security protocols.