A damning report from the Pentagon's inspector general has triggered a major controversy, centering on US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The investigation found that highly sensitive US military information was shared from his personal mobile phone through a private chat on the Signal messaging platform.
Sensitive Data and Auto-Deleted Messages
The shared information was of a serious nature, with some details matching the classification level of SECRET/NOFORN. This designation means the material is classified as 'Secret' and not for release to any foreign nationals. Investigators highlighted that this security breach created a substantial risk, potentially endangering the lives of American pilots and compromising the security of critical military missions.
Compounding the issue, Secretary Hegseth never surrendered his personal device for a thorough forensic examination by investigators. To make matters worse, several messages within the chat had already auto-deleted due to the app's privacy features, making a complete assessment of the damage impossible.
White House Defence and Lawmaker Fury
In response to the growing scandal, the White House has stepped forward to defend its official. Administration spokespeople insist that no formally classified material was actually leaked to unauthorized parties. They maintain that while the method was inappropriate, the content did not cross the legal threshold of a classified information breach.
However, this stance has done little to placate concerned lawmakers on Capitol Hill. Members of Congress from both parties have condemned the incident, stating it reflects a deeply troubling pattern of reckless communication practices at the highest levels of the Pentagon. They argue that using unofficial, encrypted channels for official discussions sets a dangerous precedent.
Calls for Accountability and Unanswered Questions
The report has led to escalating calls for accountability. Critics are demanding answers and consequences for actions that placed national security at risk. The central and most alarming question that remains unanswered is: how much sensitive U.S. military data may have slipped beyond government control? The auto-deletion of messages means the full scope of the breach may never be known.
This incident, dated December 5, 2025, adds to the existing scrutiny surrounding Secretary Hegseth, who has recently also faced criticism for aggressive rhetoric. The Pentagon probe underscores the ongoing tension between modern, convenient communication tools and the stringent protocols required for safeguarding state secrets.
