Hegseth blames ‘anonymous smears,’ Trump defends him after 2nd Signal chat revealed
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth found himself embroiled in controversy on Monday after reports emerged that he discussed sensitive information about an imminent attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen in a second Signal group chat. This chat, which included his wife and brother, raised concerns about the security of classified military operations.
Despite the allegations, Hegseth vehemently denied any wrongdoing and lashed out at what he described as “disgruntled” former employees and the media for spreading “anonymous smears.” Speaking at the White House Easter Egg Roll, Hegseth remained defiant, stating that he had the full support of President Donald Trump and was committed to continuing his work at the Pentagon.
President Trump himself came to Hegseth’s defense, expressing his “great confidence” in the Defense Secretary and dismissing the allegations as a “waste of time.” Trump emphasized Hegseth’s accomplishments and downplayed the significance of the controversy surrounding the Signal chat.
The revelation of Hegseth’s involvement in a second Signal chat comes on the heels of an ongoing investigation into leaks of sensitive information within the Defense Department. Several former aides of Hegseth, including Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll, and Darin Selnick, were fired in connection to the leak inquiry. These former officials have since spoken out against what they perceive as baseless accusations against them.
The use of Signal to discuss classified military operations has raised concerns about potential security breaches and the handling of sensitive information within the Pentagon. The Pentagon’s independent inspector general is currently reviewing Hegseth’s use of the app to communicate about military actions, adding another layer of complexity to the situation.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended Hegseth on a Fox News appearance, attributing the controversy to disgruntled former employees and emphasizing the administration’s strong stance against leaks. Leavitt reiterated the administration’s commitment to protecting classified information and ensuring the security of military operations.
As the investigation continues and the controversy surrounding the Signal chat deepens, Hegseth remains resolute in his position as Defense Secretary. With the support of President Trump and a steadfast commitment to his role, Hegseth faces ongoing scrutiny as he navigates the challenges of leading the Pentagon in a time of heightened tensions and security concerns.
