Pentagon Inspector General Launches Probe into Defense Secretary’s Use of Signal for Classified Communications

The Pentagon’s Office of the Inspector General has initiated an investigation into the use of a commercial messaging application by the Secretary of Defense and other Department of Defense personnel. The evaluation aims to assess compliance with established DoD policies and procedures regarding the use of such applications for official business. Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins outlined the objective in a memo, emphasizing the need to determine the extent of adherence to these guidelines.

This announcement follows a recent report by The Atlantic, which disclosed that its editor-in-chief was inadvertently included in a Signal group chat. The chat reportedly involved high-profile figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and national security adviser Mike Waltz, among others. The group was allegedly discussing upcoming military actions, raising concerns about the potential exchange of sensitive information on a non-secure platform.

The investigation will specifically focus on allegations that Secretary Hegseth used Signal to discuss classified information related to a U.S. military strike in Yemen targeting the Houthis. The Pentagon’s inspector general’s office highlighted the importance of evaluating whether the use of the messaging app complied with DoD regulations, particularly in the context of handling sensitive military operations.

The probe underscores the broader issue of cybersecurity and information security within government operations. As digital communication tools become increasingly prevalent, ensuring that their use aligns with security protocols remains a critical concern for the Department of Defense and other governmental bodies. The outcome of this investigation may have implications for future policies regarding the use of commercial messaging applications in official capacities.