The White House has initiated the process of searching for a new Secretary of Defense, according to a US official who spoke on the condition of anonymity, NPR reported.
This move comes as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth continues to face mounting controversy related to the leak of sensitive military information.
The news report stated that that the same official confirmed that Hegseth shared details of the US military’s planned strikes in Yemen with his family members—his wife and brother—via a private Signal chat on his personal phone.
It is further stated that this disclosure occurred shortly after Hegseth was briefed by a senior US military official on the mission.
Hegseth, who has been in the role of the Pentagon chief since President Donald Trump’s second term, has denied any wrongdoing. Hegseth responding to the latest claims about sharing military strike details in a private family Signal group chat, said the allegations were part of a broader effort to damage his reputation.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, April 21, Hegseth expressed confidence in his actions and reiterated his unwavering support for President Donald Trump.
“I have spoken to the president, and we are going to continue fighting on the same page all the way,” Hegseth said, emphasising strong backing from the president.
Hegseth, addressing the growing controversy, said, “Leakers get fired and hit pieces come out. This is what they do,” referring to individuals who are allegedly behind this. He continued, “They take anonymous sources from former employees, and they try to ruin people’s reputations… not gonna work with me.”
Hegseth fires back at calls for his removal
Hegseth’s response to the growing controversy came after a report from The New York Times surfaced, claiming that the defense secretary shared information about US military operations in Yemen, including flight schedules for F/A-18 Hornets targeting Houthi rebels, in a private Signal chat with family members.
The chat, as per the news report, included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Hegseth shot back at calls for his resignation, saying: “Your agenda is illegals, trans & DEI — all of which are no longer allowed @ DoD.”
