The Pentagon on Sunday night denied multiple reports that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth sent details of planned U.S. attacks against Yemen’s Houthi rebels in a Signal chat group that included his wife, brother and lawyer.
Why it matters: The New York Times first reported that Hegseth set up the group in January before his confirmation as defense secretary. The reports come after it emerged last month that The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief had been added to a group text in the encrypted messaging app.
- It’s been a tumultuous few days at the Defense Department, with several officials fired — and the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson Sean Parnell pointed to “disgruntled former employees” as he denied the reports.
What they’re saying: Parnell claimed the reports “relied only on the words of people who were fired this week and appear to have a motive to sabotage” Hegseth’s and President Trump’s agenda, without elaborating further on how he knew of the sources used by the outlets reporting on the matter.
- “There was no classified information in any Signal chat, no matter how many ways they try to write the story,” he added.
- “What is true is that the Office of the Secretary of Defense is continuing to become stronger and more efficient in executing President Trump’s agenda.”
- Representatives for the Pentagon and the NYT did not immediately respond to Axios’ requests for comment in the evening.
Go deeper: Top Trump officials’ Signal blunder becomes top news story of 2025
Editor’s note: This a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
