United States Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has dismissed allegations surrounding the reported use of a private Signal group chat to discuss classified military matters, describing the controversy as “old news” and blaming “disgruntled former employees” and the media for fuelling what he called a politically motivated smear campaign.
The comments were made during a public appearance at the White House Easter Egg Roll, where Hegseth appeared alongside his wife and children. His remarks follow fresh scrutiny over revelations that he used at least a second encrypted messaging group, involving close associates and family members, to communicate on sensitive defence issues.
“Time and time again, as they peddle those lies, no one ever calls them on it,” Hegseth told reporters. “This is what the media does. They take anonymous sources, disgruntled former employees, and they try to slash and burn people and ruin their reputations.”
The inclusion of Hegseth’s wife in one of the messaging groups has further raised concerns among critics regarding the handling of secure information. While the Defence Department has not issued a formal comment on the latest disclosures, officials are understood to be reviewing communications protocols within Hegseth’s office.
The defence secretary, who assumed the post under President Donald Trump earlier this year, has portrayed the backlash as part of a broader campaign to undermine efforts to reform the Department of Defense.
“We’re changing the Defense Department, putting the Pentagon back in the hands of war fighters,” he said. “And anonymous smears from disgruntled former employees are old news. Doesn’t matter.”
However, several of the critical voices speaking out are not anonymous. Among them is John Ullyot, Hegseth’s former press secretary, who issued a statement to CNN outlining his concerns over the state of leadership at the Pentagon.
“It’s been a month of total chaos at the Pentagon,” Ullyot said. “From leaks of sensitive operational plans to mass firings, the dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president — who deserves better from his senior leadership.”
Ullyot’s comments were echoed privately by other former senior officials who have either resigned or been dismissed since Hegseth’s appointment. Many have pointed to an increasingly centralised and informal approach to command and communication, which they argue bypasses established security protocols.
The controversy adds to a growing list of personnel and structural issues facing the Department of Defense under Hegseth’s leadership. Reports of significant turnover, as well as strained relations with key military advisers, have fuelled broader concerns within national security circles.
When questioned on Monday about whether he had spoken directly to President Trump regarding the matter, Hegseth suggested that he retained the president’s confidence, stating: “I’m really proud of what we’re doing for the president, fighting hard across the board.”
No direct comment has been made by President Trump or the White House regarding the use of private messaging applications by the Secretary of Defense, though sources familiar with internal discussions suggest that the administration has so far opted to stand behind Hegseth.
The Signal platform, known for its end-to-end encryption, is widely used in both private and official capacities within the US government. However, the use of private channels to discuss classified material is strictly governed by security regulations, and any breaches may fall under scrutiny by internal watchdogs or federal investigators.
At present, there is no public indication that an official inquiry has been launched, though opposition lawmakers have called for greater transparency and a review of current cybersecurity practices across all departments.
The latest developments come as the Pentagon continues to face external challenges, including rising tensions in the Asia-Pacific. Critics warn that instability at the top of the defence hierarchy could hinder the administration’s ability to respond effectively to emerging threats.
Despite the controversy, Hegseth appeared unfazed by the criticism, reiterating his commitment to what he described as a “warrior-led” Pentagon.
“We’re fighting for the president’s vision, and that’s not going to stop,” Hegseth said.
Whether the administration will continue to support Hegseth amid ongoing revelations remains to be seen. For now, the Defence Secretary appears determined to weather the storm, while opponents continue to question the implications of informal practices at the highest levels of national security.
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