Rep. Don Bacon Criticizes Defense Secretary Hegseth Over Alleged Signal Chat Leak
Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., expressed strong disapproval of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s alleged sharing of sensitive military information in a Signal group chat.
Rep. Don Bacon, a Republican from Nebraska and a member of the House Armed Services Committee, has voiced his concerns over Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s reported actions. According to a New York Times report, Hegseth allegedly shared details of military operations in Yemen in a private Signal group chat that included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. Bacon, a retired military officer, stated that if the allegations are true, such actions are ‘unacceptable’ and he would not tolerate them if he were in a position of authority.
The controversy stems from a report that Hegseth shared information about strikes in Yemen on March 15 in a Signal chat, which was similar to information shared in another chat that included an editor from The Atlantic. Despite the allegations, both Hegseth and the White House have denied that any classified information was shared. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly dismissed the claims as attempts by ‘recently fired leakers’ to undermine the administration’s agenda.
President Donald Trump and White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt have also defended Hegseth, with Trump labeling the reports as ‘fake news’ and praising Hegseth’s leadership. Hegseth himself has criticized the media’s coverage, referring to it as ‘anonymous smears’ by ‘disgruntled employees’ during a White House event.
The incident has sparked a debate over the security of using encrypted messaging apps like Signal for sensitive communications and the potential risks of information leaks within the government.