A recent report from the United States Inspector General has scrutinized Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s use of the messaging app Signal, identifying potential risks associated with his communication practices. The investigation revealed that Hegseth used Signal to share sensitive operational details related to a planned attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Inspector General’s report, which was presented to Congress, made a singular recommendation: the Chief of US Central Command’s Special Security Office should reevaluate the command’s classification procedures to ensure compliance with Department of Defense regulations. The report emphasizes the necessity for improved training for senior Department of Defense officials regarding the appropriate use of electronic devices and messaging applications.
This situation, termed "Signalgate," raised concerns as high-level officials, including Hegseth, utilized a consumer messaging platform instead of secure government communication channels. A notable incident occurred when former National Security Adviser Michael Waltz inadvertently invited journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal chat, which led to the disclosure of its existence and the sensitive discussions happening within.
The report highlighted that Hegseth, in his capacity as the head original classification authority at the Department of Defense, acknowledged sending nonpublic operational information over Signal using his personal phone. This action was deemed noncompliant with Department of Defense Instruction 8170.01, which restricts the use of personal devices and unauthorized applications for official business.
Interestingly, Hegseth declined an interview with the Inspector General but provided a written statement regarding the events surrounding Signalgate. The Defense Department has yet to respond to inquiries about the report.
Despite Signal being recognized for its robust security features, including end-to-end encryption, the report underscores the different security needs of high-ranking government officials compared to individual users. The findings serve as a reminder of the importance of secure communication practices within military and government operations.
