Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth strongly rejected recent media reports, criticizing anonymous sources and former employees as questions resurfaced over his use of the encrypted Signal messaging app. Speaking during the White House Easter Egg Roll, Hegseth dismissed allegations that he participated in another Signal group chat involving sensitive details about military operations in Yemen. He emphasized that he remains focused on reforming the Department of Defense and confirmed he had spoken directly with President Donald Trump, saying the two remain fully aligned.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also denied reports suggesting the administration was considering replacing Hegseth, calling those claims inaccurate and reaffirming Trump’s continued support.
The controversy began after The Atlantic reported that editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal chat where senior officials discussed military action against Iran-backed Houthi forces. Goldberg later published details of the conversation, prompting concerns about operational security. Additional reporting by The New York Times alleged Hegseth discussed aspects of another Yemen operation in a separate Signal chat that included family members.
Despite criticism and calls for his resignation from some lawmakers, Trump has continued defending Hegseth, praising his performance and arguing the military mission was successful, with no demonstrated operational harm resulting from the messaging controversy.
