The chat, dubbed “Defense| Team Huddle,” was reportedly used to communicate details of the March 15 airstrikes on Houthi militants in Yemen.
According to The New York Times, Hegseth used his personal phone to access the chat and disclosed information similar to that shared in another Signal group, which mistakenly included The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg. That incident sparked a separate scandal last month involving senior Trump administration officials.
Though officials insist no classified material was discussed, sources claim that flight schedules for F/A-18 Hornets and operational details were shared. Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, and his brother, Phil Hegseth, a Department of Homeland Security adviser, were both members of the chat. His personal attorney, Timothy Parlatore, was also included.
The Pentagon is in “total chaos” and Pete Hegseth is unlikely to remain in his role, according to its former top spokesperson, who painted a scene of dysfunction, backstabbing and continuous missteps at the highest levels of the department.
“The building is in disarray under…
— Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) April 20, 2025
Hegseth shared Yemen strike details in a separate signal chat that included his wife and brother.
Cool, cool. Very normal administration we have here
— Angry Staffer (@Angry_Staffer) April 20, 2025
The fact that Hegseth hasn’t been fired shows how weak Trump is now. He’s just the puppet for Heritage, Musk, and Miller. His job is to clown on camera and play golf. A real leader would have fired Hegseth long ago. It’s so pathetic.
— Fred Wellman (@FPWellman) April 21, 2025
Pete Hegseth is a DUI hire and a national security threat. This many high level lapses in judgement isn’t a bug, it’s a feature.
Dude’s gotta go. pic.twitter.com/SCxlFYnZeT
— BrooklynDad_Defiant!☮️ (@mmpadellan) April 20, 2025
The controversy has led to the firing of several Hegseth aides amid a Pentagon investigation into unauthorized leaks. The Pentagon’s acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, announced an official review of the Defense Secretary’s use of commercial messaging apps, citing concerns over policy compliance.
Critics, including Hegseth’s former press secretary John Ullyot, describe the situation as a “full-blown meltdown,” further straining confidence in Hegseth’s leadership during a volatile period for national defense operations. The Department of Defense has not issued a public response.