Controversy Erupts Over Hegseth's Signal Chats Discussing Yemen Strikes

Hegseth's involvement in two private Signal group chats discussing US air strikes in Yemen has sparked controversy and criticism concerning the potential mishandling of sensitive information. The White House asserts no classified data was exchanged, but critics remain skeptical.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth is at the center of a controversy following reports that he shared sensitive information regarding US air strikes on Yemen through two private group chats on the Signal app. According to CBS, the messages, which were sent on March 15, included flight schedules for American F/A-18 Hornets targeting Houthi positions. The participants in the group included Hegseth’s wife, brother, and personal lawyer.

This revelation comes just weeks after the existence of another Signal group, which was reportedly used to discuss classified military operations, was disclosed. In response to these reports, the White House stated that no classified information had been shared in either chat. Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer, a former Fox News producer without any official Pentagon role, is part of the discussions, raising eyebrows over the appropriateness of her inclusion. Critics, including former defense officials, question the necessity of informing non-official members about such sensitive topics.

The second Signal group, referred to as "Defense | Team Huddle," was reportedly created by Hegseth himself, showing a level of involvement in communication that some observers find alarming. The earlier Signal group's existence had come to light inadvertently, when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of Atlantic magazine, was mistakenly added. That group had also facilitated discussions pertinent to military operations in Yemen.

Concerns about operational security have been highlighted, with critics warning that these communications could place personnel in danger during military missions. Former Pentagon spokesperson John Ullyot, who recently resigned, described the level of dysfunction within the Pentagon as chaotic, stating that it distracts from significant leadership responsibilities.

In the wake of the controversy, Hegseth dismissed three senior officials due to alleged "unauthorized disclosures," which those officials have denied, labeling the accusations as unfounded. Meanwhile, Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell defended Hegseth in light of what he called "Trump-hating media," insisting that no classified information was discussed in the Signal chats.

The US has recently intensified its military operations in Yemen in response to Houthi attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which serve as vital waterways for global trade. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched multiple missile and drone strikes against merchant ships, claiming to target vessels associated with Israel, the US, or the UK. Reports indicate that US air strikes on an oil terminal in north-western Yemen resulted in at least 74 fatalities, as reported by Houthi officials who condemned the action as a "war crime."