The Acting Inspector General (IG) of the U.S. Department of Defense has launched a review into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of the Signal messaging app to discuss classified military operations. This follows a report by The Atlantic that claimed Hegseth used Signal to share sensitive information about military strikes in Yemen.
The Inspector General’s office announced on Thursday that it will investigate whether Hegseth and other officials followed DoD policies, especially concerning the use of personal messaging apps, handling of classified information, and records retention rules.
What Sparked the Investigation?
Last month, The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth used a Signal group chat to inform senior national security officials, including the vice president and national security adviser, about upcoming military strikes on the Houthis in Yemen. He reportedly shared:
- The timing of the strikes
- Details of aircraft and weapons systems involved
- Updates 30 minutes before the operation began
This raised concerns that Hegseth may have leaked classified information, prompting lawmakers from the Senate Armed Services Committee to request a formal review by Acting IG Steven Stebbins.
What Will the Inspector General Review?
According to Stebbins’ letter to Hegseth, the IG’s review will focus on:
- Whether using Signal violated DoD rules for conducting official business
- Whether classified or sensitive material was improperly shared
- If proper records were kept, as per federal documentation rules
The review will be conducted at DoD headquarters in Washington, D.C., and at U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) in Tampa, Florida.
Was the Information Classified?
There are conflicting claims about whether the information shared in the Signal chat was classified:
- A CNN report claimed it was classified at the time.
- Hegseth’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, denied this, stating the secretary was only sharing routine updates on operations that had already been formally briefed.
“These additional Signal chat messages confirm there were no classified materials or war plans shared,” said Parnell. “This is a distraction from President Trump’s national security success.”
Political Context and Leadership Changes
The review comes after President Trump fired Robert Storch, the previous Pentagon Inspector General, along with other inspectors general across federal agencies, early in his term. Steven Stebbins, formerly the Pentagon’s deputy IG, is now the Acting Inspector General overseeing this case.
If needed, Secretary Hegseth will have to submit materials and records from the Signal chat for inspection.