Pentagon Probes Defense Secretary’s Use of Multiple Signal Accounts

Could Secretary Hegseth be in trouble all over again? After Trump’s favorite cabinet member avoided being fired, despite far-left media outlets repeatedly calling for him to be ousted following the Signalgate controversy, a new investigation has just been opened. What now?

At a glance:

• Pentagon Inspector General is expanding an inquiry into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of multiple Signal encrypted chat groups

• Classified information about Yemen military operations was allegedly shared inappropriately in these chats

• A second Signal chat called “Defense | Group Huddle” allegedly included Hegseth’s wife, brother, personal lawyer, and friends

• Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins is leading the investigation after President Trump’s appointment following his firing of multiple inspectors general

Expanding Investigation Targets Hegseth’s Security Practices

The Pentagon’s inspector general has broadened an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal messaging for sharing sensitive military information. This expanded probe now includes a second Signal chat group that reportedly contained Hegseth’s wife, brother, and other non-government individuals with potential access to classified information.

Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins, appointed by President Trump after a major reshuffle of government watchdogs, is leading the evaluation. The investigation began after Senate Armed Services Committee leaders requested an inquiry into reports that Hegseth had discussed Yemen military operations in unauthorized channels.

The news also comes as President Donald Trump moves his National Security Adviser Mike Waltz over to a new role as ambassador to the United Nations, also following the Signalgate fallout.

Exclusive: The Pentagon inspector general has expanded an investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s sharing of military plans to a second Signal chat that included his wife and brother https://t.co/Htt62FOdcN

— The Wall Street Journal (@WSJ) May 1, 2025

Were Family Members Given Access to Sensitive Information?

Media outlets were quick to jump on the story, arguing that Hegseth included family members in Signal chats that allegedly contained high-level information. However, this information has not yet been confirmed, and media outlets have failed to specify in many cases that the purpose of the investigation is to determine whether the claims are even true to begin with.

Investigators are also looking into claims that Hegseth’s wife Jennifer attended meetings with foreign military officials, including a session with the U.K. Secretary of Defense.

Hegseth has beared the brunt a biased media since his nomination, so this investigation could well be used by the Trump administration to clear him of wrongdoing and prove the press wrong. Until their findings are released, however, media outlets can only speculate.

John Bolton tells CNN: Hegseth should “resign for his own safety’s sake.” pic.twitter.com/s7UCYMHYOV

— Breitbart News (@BreitbartNews) April 29, 2025

Trump Has His Back

President Trump has publicly supported Hegseth throughout the controversy.

A DOD Office of Inspector General spokesperson stated, “The DOD OIG’s evaluation of the secretary of defense’s reported use of a commercially available messaging application for official business remains ongoing, and as such, I am unable to speak about the scope or timeline to protect the integrity of the process.” The investigation will assess compliance with Department of Defense policies regarding the use of commercial messaging apps for official business.

Adding to the controversy, former National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reportedly added The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg to a Signal chat where military actions were discussed – a move that could well have prompted the president’s decision to assign Waltz a new role in the administration, rather than giving the media what they want and simply firing him.