Trump defends Pete Hegseth amid Signal app scandal over Yemen strikes

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth under fire for reportedly sharing classified military plans in private Signal chats.

President Donald J. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth listen during a cabinet meeting at the White House on April 10, 2025, in Washington, DC. Photo by Jabin Botsford/Getty Images

By Anna Fadiah and Hayu Andini

President Donald Trump on Monday threw his full support behind embattled Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, dismissing growing controversy over the Pentagon chief’s alleged misuse of encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive U.S. military operations in Yemen. Trump, speaking at the White House, described reports implicating Hegseth in leaking confidential strike information as “just fake news” and praised his performance, saying, “He’s doing a great job.”

The Pete Hegseth Signal scandal erupted after U.S. media outlets, including The New York Times and CNN, reported that the defense secretary used Signal to relay details of air strikes against Yemen’s Huthi rebels with individuals outside official military or security circles. This included sharing classified information such as warplane flight schedules. Critics argue that the alleged communications breach could have endangered military personnel and undermined national security.

Media reports link Hegseth to multiple Signal group chats

According to the reports, one of the Signal group chats involved not just Hegseth, but also his wife Jennifer—a journalist and former Fox News producer—his brother Phil, and his attorney Tim Parlatore, all of whom have ties to the Department of Defense. Although Parlatore and Phil Hegseth reportedly hold formal roles within the Pentagon, critics have questioned whether such disclosures in an unsecured setting were appropriate or lawful.

This revelation comes just weeks after another misstep involving Hegseth: a Signal group chat reportedly included a journalist from The Atlantic by mistake. That chat also included National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and focused on the March 15 air strikes targeting Huthi positions in Yemen.

The scope and severity of the Pete Hegseth Signal scandal have triggered an internal Pentagon investigation, led by the department’s inspector general, to determine whether any laws were broken or protocols violated. The growing fallout has amplified calls from Democratic lawmakers for Hegseth to resign or be removed.

Democratic lawmakers demand resignation over Pentagon controversy

Democratic Representative Jim McGovern called Hegseth “a walking national security disaster” and urged him to step down immediately. Senator Elissa Slotkin added her voice, saying, “If he cared about the institution he’s leading, he should man up, acknowledge he’s a distraction to the military’s mission, and resign.”

DNC Chairman Ken Martin went a step further, calling the Pentagon chief a “disgrace,” and insisted that Trump must fire Hegseth if he refuses to resign voluntarily. Other Democrats, including Senators Mark Warner and Andy Kim, echoed similar sentiments.

Despite mounting pressure, Hegseth remains defiant. Speaking at the White House, he lashed out at the media, accusing journalists of using anonymous sources to sabotage his reputation. “They try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations,” he said. “Not going to work with me.”

White House pushes back against rumors of replacement

In response to an NPR report claiming the White House was already scouting for a new defense secretary, Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt dismissed the story on social media as “total FAKE NEWS.” She said the report was based on a single anonymous source who lacked accurate information.

Nonetheless, the controversy has fueled speculation within Washington that Hegseth’s days at the Pentagon may be numbered. Former Pentagon press secretary John Ullyot published an opinion piece on Sunday describing “a month of total chaos at the Pentagon” and questioned how long Trump could continue to shield Hegseth from accountability.

“President Donald Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account,” Ullyot wrote. “Given that, it's hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer.”

Pentagon faces internal turmoil amid broader investigation

The Signal app scandal coincides with broader unrest within the Pentagon. Just last week, three senior officials—Darin Selnick, Dan Caldwell, and Colin Carroll—were dismissed from their posts as part of an ongoing investigation into possible leaks. In a public statement, the trio decried what they described as baseless accusations and a lack of transparency from Pentagon leadership.

“We still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with,” they wrote in a joint statement shared online.

Their dismissal has further strained morale within the Pentagon, already under scrutiny for its handling of the Signal incident and its communication protocols surrounding classified military operations.

Political implications and defense of the embattled secretary

The Pete Hegseth Signal scandal also underscores the political gamble Trump made when he nominated the former Fox News host and Army veteran to lead the Department of Defense. Critics have long raised concerns about Hegseth’s lack of experience in managing large institutions and his close relationship with the president. His appointment was seen as another instance of Trump placing media allies in key government roles.

While his defenders point to Hegseth’s military background and outspoken support for veterans, opponents argue that his leadership style and use of encrypted apps for sensitive discussions represent a dangerous lapse in protocol and judgment.

Still, Trump remains resolute, framing the scandal as a politically motivated effort by Democrats and media outlets to undermine his administration. Whether this stance holds in the face of ongoing investigations and rising bipartisan pressure remains to be seen.

As the Pentagon attempts to restore stability and reestablish trust, the future of Pete Hegseth hangs in the balance. The Signal app revelations may prove to be the most serious test yet of Trump's loyalty to a controversial appointee whose actions have triggered a national security debate at the highest levels.