Pentagon watchdog investigating Hegseth's use of Signal

The Defense Department's (DOD) internal watchdog is investigating Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the messaging app Signal to discuss highly sensitive military information, according to a newly released memo.

The probe, launched by acting inspector general Steven Stebbins, will look at whether Hegseth “complied with DOD policies” when he used a group chat to discuss details of a strike against Houthi militants in Yemen last month. In addition to other Trump administration officials, the group accidentally included a prominent journalist. 

In a letter to Hegseth, Stebbins said he will also review whether Hegseth violated any rules regarding classified information. Critics have alleged the details he shared included classified material, which Hegseth denies. 

Stebbins also indicated that Hegseth will likely have to turn over materials for the IG to review.

The watchdog opened the probe after a request from leaders of the Senate Armed Services Committee, who became concerned after the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic reported last month that he had been invited to the Signal group chat where Hegseth relayed sensitive details regarding strikes against the Houthis, including the timing of the attack and what types of aircraft and weapons would be used.

"After Sec. Hegseth jeopardized national security in the group chat, Trump [White House] tried to declare ‘case closed.’ I worked on bipartisan basis to ensure an independent investigation. Today, case opened," committee ranking member Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) posted to the social media platform X after news of the watchdog case broke.

The administration has acknowledged the chat was legitimate, but has pushed back at assertions the information was classified. Hegseth, who shared the information with the group which included the Vice President Vance and national security advisor Michael Waltz, has staunchly denied any classified information was shared.

Asked about the IG investigation, President Trump told journalists on Thursday: “Don’t bring that up again. … It’s such a wasted story.”

Stebbins previously served as the Pentagon’s deputy inspector general, but took the lead role after Trump fired Robert Storch in a purge of more than a dozen inspectors general across the federal government when he first took office. 

He said that the IG evaluation will take place both in Washington, D.C., and at U.S. Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Fla.

Updated at 5:26 p.m. EDT