CA, US & World
Pentagon Watchdog Finds Classified Info Shared from Hegseth’s Signal Account, Undermining Denials
The Pentagon inspector general has obtained a classified U.S. military document that was shared from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Signal account earlier this year, according to individuals familiar with the investigation.
The document, marked Secret/NOFORN—prohibiting access by foreign nationals—originated from U.S. Central Command and included sensitive details about American operations in Yemen. It was shared to a Signal group chat involving Cabinet officials and Vice President JD Vance.
The watchdog launched its review in April after concerns surfaced about Hegseth using the encrypted messaging app to communicate military plans. The discovery of the document appears to directly challenge Hegseth’s repeated denials that classified information was shared.
CNN previously reported that Hegseth also shared similar details in a separate Signal chat with his wife, brother, and personal attorney.
Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell continued to reject the claims in a statement:
“This Signal narrative is so old and worn out, it’s starting to resemble Joe Biden’s mental state. The Department stands behind its previous statements: no classified information was shared via Signal.”
Parnell emphasized that recent military successes — including Operation Rough Rider and Operation Midnight Hammer — reflect high standards of operational security.
The Office of the Inspector General declined to comment, citing policy on active investigations. However, sources say the IG is exploring whether someone else may have entered the classified material into the chat using Hegseth’s device. At the time of the message on March 15, Hegseth was reportedly at his home in Tennessee.
Witnesses have described being involved in about a dozen Signal threads involving Hegseth, raising further questions about the extent of the messaging app’s use for sensitive communications.
During a June congressional hearing, Hegseth declined to say whether the content was classified but still claimed the mission was “incredibly successful.”
“You can very well disclose whether or not it was classified,” said Rep. Seth Moulton.
“What’s not classified is that it was an incredibly successful mission,” Hegseth responded.
The Pentagon’s internal review continues.
Credit: CNN Newsource
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: CNN Newsource
July 23, 2025
Pete HegsethPentagon inspector generalclassified informationSignal appUS Central CommandYemen operationsOperation Rough RiderOperation Midnight HammerJD VanceDefense Department investigation
Link Copied To Clipboard!
Latest Instagram Posts
137
HISTORY COULD BE MADE IN COACHELLA! 🇺🇸 Denise Delgado is taking an early lead in the race for Coachella mayor. If the results hold, she would become the first woman elected mayor in the city’s 80-year history! Votes are still being counted on Election Night. #Coachella #ElectionNight #Election2026 #RiversideCounty #NBCPalmSprings
44
Tonight we are hearing from both CA District 36 State Assembly candidates, after early polling has showed that Democratic nominee Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez is currently in the lead. However with less than half the votes counted still, Jeff Gonzalez says it’s too early to tell who will win. We will have future numbers here and our website nbcpalmsprings.com #nbcpalmsprings #2026election #fyp #elections
215
BREAKING: NBC News projects Democrats have won control of the House. A major Election Night shift in Washington as Democrats secure control of the House of Representatives, changing the balance of power in Congress. What does this mean for President Trump’s agenda and the next two years in Washington? Stay with NBC Palm Springs for continuing Election Night coverage. #ElectionNight #Midterms2026 #Democrats #HouseOfRepresentatives ElectionResults NBCPalmSprin
219
Election Day is officially here and we’re closely tracking your Coachella Valley local races. Our @newsbyalondra is keeping a close eye on the city of Coachella’s mayoral and city council races. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs on air and online for your latest election coverage.
46
The California State Assembly District 36 race heats up between Jeff Gonzalez and Dr. Ida Obeso-Martinez, and we have all the coverage here and on nbcpalmsprings.com #election2026 #nbcpalmsprings #district36 #fyp
26
Thinking about installing solar? Watch this before you pull your permits! ⚠️ #therogginreport #coachellavalley #solar #solarpanels #nbcpalmsprings
48
Election Night is underway in the Coachella Valley! 🗳️ @maria_nvtv is live in Old Town La Quinta, tracking the competitive race for California’s Assembly District 47 as incumbent Greg Wallis and challenger Leila Nemvar make their final push for voters. Follow along as we bring you the latest on the candidates, results and what’s at stake for our community! #ElectionNight #CaliforniaPolitics #CoachellaValley #Election2026 #NBCPalmSprings
7
The holidays should be a time for joy, but they can also bring stress, loneliness and added pressure. 🎄 How do you protect your mental and physical health during the busy holiday season? Dr. Joseph Aquilina, Chief Medical Officer at DAP Health, shares practical advice on setting boundaries, managing holiday stress, navigating difficult family dynamics, eating and drinking mindfully, and making time for the people and activities that bring you joy. His biggest reminders? It’s OK to say no, give yourself permission to feel your feelings, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. And as we head into 2027, it’s also a great time to check in on your health screenings and make sure your vaccines are up to date. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 for support. #DAPHealth #HolidayHealth #MentalHealthMatters #HolidayStress #DrJosephAquilina CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
107
Early morning voters speak to CNN’s Ryan Young about what has motivated them to come to the ballot box in Dunwoody, Georgia.
287
Yolanda Renee King, the only grandchild of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., told CNN that she has been waiting for the day she can finally vote for “as long as I can remember.”