Sen. Jack Reed Calls for Investigation into Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Use of Signal for Sensitive Operations

In a recent statement, Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) expressed grave concerns regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the messaging app Signal to share sensitive military information. This follows reports from NPR that Hegseth participated in a second group chat that included non-Defense Department personnel, raising alarms over the potential exposure of classified information. Reed described Hegseth’s actions as a 'complete meltdown of common defense,' emphasizing the risk posed to national security. The Pentagon’s acting Inspector General, Steven Stebbins, is currently reviewing Hegseth's communications to ascertain if any classified data was shared. In an interview with NPR, Reed elaborated on his opposition to Hegseth's appointment, stating that his experience and management capabilities were inadequate for overseeing such an essential department. Meanwhile, Hegseth defended his discussions, insisting they were meant for informal coordination and were unclassified in nature. This controversy highlights a significant breach of protocol within the Department of Defense, raising fears of leadership instability under Hegseth's command. The ongoing situation necessitates strict scrutiny to ensure that sensitive information regarding U.S. military operations remains secure and that the Pentagon is led by qualified professionals.