Evaluation Launch by Inspector General’s Office

The Pentagon’s inspector general’s office has announced an evaluation concerning
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s utilization of the Signal messaging application
to communicate about military operations, specifically strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen.
This evaluation aims to assess adherence to Department of Defense (DoD) policies regarding the
use of commercial messaging tools for official duties.

According to the memo from Acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins, the evaluation will also focus
on compliance with regulations regarding information classification and records retention.

Request for Investigation

The Armed Services Committee’s chairman and ranking member have called for this investigation
following revelations about Hegseth’s communications on the Signal app. Reports indicate
that he shared specific information related to military strike operations, including details
about weapon systems and launch schedules, shortly before they were set to occur.

The Atlantic reported that the nature of the messages, which were programmed to disappear
after a week, raises concerns about whether they meet the necessary standards for
records preservation mandated by federal regulations.

Reactions and Concerns from Lawmakers

In response to the situation, Secretary Hegseth remarked, “Nobody’s texting war plans.
There’s no units, no locations, no routes, no flight paths, no sources, no methods, no classified information.”
However, lawmakers and defense experts have expressed skepticism about this assertion,
especially given the sensitive nature of the timing information shared in the messages prior
to the strikes.

Some Democratic lawmakers have called for Hegseth’s resignation, emphasizing the gravity
of his actions. Senator Jack Reed, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated,
“The potentially deadly consequences from Secretary Hegseth’s blunder are chilling.
Whether intended or not, Secretary Hegseth endangered the lives of American servicemembers through his recklessness.”

Background on Oversight Authority

The investigation is in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978, which allows inspectors
general to access personnel and materials relevant to their oversight responsibilities.
Steven Stebbins recent appointment as acting inspector general followed significant personnel changes
during the Trump administration, which saw the dismissal of several department watchdogs.