In a controversial turn of events, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly disclosed key operational details of U.S. military strikes in Yemen within a private Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal attorney. According to individuals familiar with the chat, the sensitive information shared included the flight plans of F/A-18 Hornets assigned to target Houthi militants. These disclosures allegedly occurred on March 15, the same day that Hegseth mistakenly relayed similar information to a separate Signal group that included the editor of The Atlantic. The matter has ignited a firestorm of concern among national security experts, who question the security protocols—or lack thereof—employed by the newly appointed defense secretary.
While Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer—formerly a Fox News producer—has no official role in the Department of Defense, she has accompanied him on official overseas trips and participated in meetings with foreign military leaders. His brother Phil, and attorney Tim Parlatore, both of whom hold positions in the Pentagon, were also part of this private chat group, though there is no clear justification for their access to real-time strike information. The group chat, dubbed “Defense | Team Huddle,” was reportedly formed before Hegseth’s confirmation in January and remained active after his appointment. Unlike the administration-sanctioned Signal group, this one was created using Hegseth’s personal phone and included a mix of professional aides and close personal contacts.
The revelation of this second chat, which had not been previously reported, has only deepened questions surrounding Hegseth’s judgment and approach to operational security. Unlike the chat initiated by national security adviser Mike Waltz—which included high-level officials discussing Yemen strike coordination—Hegseth’s chat lacked any official purpose for the inclusion of non-government individuals. Reports indicate that his aides had warned him not to use this informal chat to discuss sensitive plans, but those warnings appear to have gone unheeded. Moreover, the Signal app, while encrypted, does not meet the stringent security standards typically required for handling classified military operations.
In the wake of these disclosures, the Pentagon has seen increased turbulence. Several of Hegseth’s top aides, including Dan Caldwell and Darin Selnick, were recently dismissed after being accused of leaking sensitive information. These firings have triggered a wave of uncertainty within the department and have led to further scrutiny of Hegseth’s leadership. The acting inspector general at the Pentagon has since launched a formal review into the handling of military information on commercial messaging platforms. While administration officials maintain that no classified material was shared, others argue that even specifics like launch timing and aircraft type could be considered classified and pose a danger if exposed.
The fallout has extended into political spheres as well, with prominent Democratic lawmakers calling for Hegseth’s removal. Critics argue that his conduct reflects a dangerous disregard for national security norms, with some accusing him of compromising the safety of U.S. personnel. Despite the growing calls for accountability, both Hegseth and the White House continue to downplay the incident, insisting that no rules were broken. Nevertheless, the episode has laid bare the risks of blending personal relationships with high-stakes military decision-making and has intensified debate over the boundaries of secure communication in government affairs.