Senate hearing raises concern over Pete Hegseth's handling of classified intel

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is facing tough questions following revelations that he shared sensitive military operation details via the Signal messaging app, which is generally unauthorized for government communications.

During a contentious Senate hearing on Tuesday, officials examined Hegseth's decision to disclose operational details of planned airstrikes against Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. These details reportedly included targeting information, weaponry to be deployed, and attack sequences. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who inadvertently received the messages, confirmed their authenticity.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard testified that the Defense Department had authority to classify or declassify such information, raising further questions about whether classified details had been improperly shared or deliberately declassified.

Responding to reporters, Hegseth denied wrongdoing, insisting, "Nobody’s texting war plans." However, Democrats and national security veterans countered that operational details are always treated as classified.

Republicans remained cautious publicly but privately expressed frustration. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee, vowed bipartisan investigation. Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) directly criticized Hegseth's claim, labeling it as "baloney."

The revelation also prompted broader concerns about Trump administration officials routinely discussing sensitive matters on unsecured apps or personal phones, with cybersecurity experts highlighting significant risks.

President Trump, while publicly defending officials involved, expressed private frustration over the controversy dubbed "Signalgate."