The Pentagon is under scrutiny as the watchdog initiates an investigation into Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s controversial use of the messaging app Signal to discuss military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen. The acting Inspector General of the Defense Department, Steven Stebbins, is set to review whether Hegseth and other Pentagon personnel complied with official policies and procedures regarding the use of commercial messaging applications for government business.
The probe will also delve into whether Hegseth adhered to classification and records retention protocols, with investigations to be carried out in Washington, DC, and at the US Central Command headquarters in Tampa, Florida. This comes after reports surfaced that Hegseth shared sensitive information, including details of military strikes against the Houthis, with high-ranking officials through Signal just 30 minutes before the operations commenced.
Despite denials from Hegseth’s spokesperson, Sean Parnell, claiming that no classified information was shared, the investigation by the Inspector General will likely require Hegseth to submit materials for review. The controversy has attracted the attention of the Senate Armed Services Committee, prompting the watchdog’s inquiry into the matter.
Stebbins, the acting Inspector General, who took over after the dismissal of Robert Storch, will lead the investigation into the Signal messages that have raised concerns about national security protocols within the Pentagon. As the inquiry unfolds, the spotlight remains on Hegseth and his handling of sensitive information through unofficial communication channels.