Trump backs defence secretary amid Signal chat leak probe

President Donald Trump expressed full support for Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Monday, following reports that Hegseth shared details of a March military strike on Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a private Signal chat.

The group reportedly included his wife, brother, and personal attorney.

“Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him,” Trump told reporters, dismissing the controversy as media-driven.

The leak, first reported by the New York Times, marked the second known incident involving Hegseth using the encrypted messaging app to discuss sensitive military operations.

The Pentagon Inspector General has launched a probe into the matter, as concerns grow about security breaches within the Department of Defense.

Hegseth was reportedly advised not to use unclassified platforms like Signal after a previous leak last month, when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to another group chat.

White House officials have denied that any classified information was shared, saying the chats were administrative in nature.

However, sources confirm the second chat included details like flight plans of US fighter jets conducting strikes on March 15.

Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Rauchet, a former Fox News producer, has attended high-level meetings despite holding no official position.

His brother and lawyer, both government employees, were also members of the chat.

Critics, including at least nine Senate Democrats, have called for Hegseth’s resignation.

Republican leaders have largely remained silent, though some, like Rep. Don Bacon, have raised concerns about judgment.

Amid the fallout, three senior Pentagon officials were removed last week in what Hegseth claims is an internal leak crackdown.

The Defence Department currently oversees a budget of $892 billion.

Despite mounting scrutiny, Trump reaffirmed his confidence: “We’re on the same page all the way.”