Hegseth is accused of discussing minute-by-minute details of U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in a group chat that included his wife, brother, and lawyer.
The White House is discreetly searching for a replacement for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following revelations he shared classified operational details via the Signal app, a U.S. official confirmed on condition of anonymity.
Hegseth is accused of discussing minute-by-minute details of U.S. airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in a group chat that included his wife, brother, and lawyer. The incident coincided with a separate leak in March, where Hegseth reportedly included a journalist in a Signal chat with White House officials, raising concerns over compromised operational security.
While White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied any replacement efforts, stating President Trump “stands strongly” with Hegseth, critics remain unconvinced.
“He’s doing a great job — ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” Trump said.
Four senior Pentagon advisers have recently departed, some alleging retaliation. Senator Jeanne Shaheen slammed Hegseth’s appointment, calling him “a former weekend TV host” unfit to lead the Pentagon.