Pete Hegseth faces mounting backlash for sharing military details on Signal app as Congress demands accountability

The Headline

Political Repercussions and Calls for Accountability

Hegseth must be fired. The details keep coming out. We keep learning how Pete Hegseth put lives at risk.

Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer

I've become the first sitting Republican member of Congress to publicly call on Hegseth to resign.

Rep. Don Bacon

Pete’s doing a great job; everybody’s happy with him. There’s no dysfunction.

President Donald Trump

Key Facts

Following the revelation of Hegseth’s actions, Congress is increasingly demanding accountability, with critics from both sides of the aisle calling for his resignation.
Hegseth faces scrutiny for revealing potentially classified details in a chat group that did not include other Cabinet-level officials.

Hegseth defends himself on Fox & Friends against Signal chat claims

HegsethFox & FriendsSignal chatsensitive informationCNN

White House defends Hegseth, alleges leakers are mounting a 'smear campaign'

White HouseHegsethKaroline LeavittDefense SecretaryYemen airstrikes

Pete Hegseth lashes out at alleged Pentagon leakers

Pete HegsethPentagonclassified informationTrump agendadefense secretary

Trump stands by Hegseth as new Signal chat revealed

TrumpHegsethSignal chatU.S. attackHouthi rebels

Trump stands behind Hegseth after second Signal chat leak | REUTERS

TrumpHegsethUS Defense SecretaryYemenHouthis

Sources say Hegseth shared military information in second Signal chat

Hegsethmilitary informationSignal chatYemen strikeNBC News

Hegseth texts military plans in second Signal chat

Hegsethmilitary plansSignal chatUS militaryYemen

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Deep Dive

The details he shared, two hours before airstrikes hit in Yemen, almost certainly were classified.

Retired Marine Lt. Col. Mick Wagoner

The contents of the chat have raised concerns about Hegseth's judgement among his advisers.

Former aide John Ullyot

Key Facts

Hegseth's actions have ignited strong reactions within the military community, raising alarms about leaks and operational security.
Amidst the turmoil, the Pentagon is reportedly dealing with a growing chaos under Hegseth's leadership.1

Background Context

Number of people in Signal group chat

Key Facts

Minutes before U.S. fighter jets took off to begin strikes against Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen, Army Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla sent detailed information about the operation to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth using a secure U.S. government system.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly shared details about the military operation in a second group chat using the Signal app, which included family members and raised concerns about his judgment.