A report from the Pentagon's internal watchdog has concluded that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's use of the encrypted messaging application Signal posed a security risk to American personnel, according to sources familiar with the findings who spoke to The Associated Press.
Inspector General Identifies Communication Vulnerabilities
The investigation by the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General scrutinized the secretary's communications practices. The central finding was that Hegseth's reliance on the Signal app for official communications could have compromised operational security and endangered U.S. personnel.
While the full, detailed report remains classified, officials who were briefed on its contents confirmed the core conclusion to the AP. The inquiry highlights ongoing tensions within the U.S. government regarding the use of private, encrypted messaging platforms by high-ranking officials for sensitive government business.
Context and Timing of the Security Assessment
The report's findings were finalized and disseminated to relevant Pentagon officials. The news broke publicly on December 3, 2025, casting a spotlight on the defense secretary's protocols just one day after he was seen participating in a White House Cabinet meeting.
Signal is renowned for its end-to-end encryption, which secures messages from outside interception. However, its use outside of officially sanctioned and archived government systems raises significant concerns for record-keeping, accountability, and the potential for leaks that could expose sensitive military or intelligence operations.
Broader Implications for Government Communication Policy
This incident is not isolated. It feeds into a larger, persistent debate in Washington, D.C., and among allied governments like Canada's, about balancing modern communication tools with stringent national security requirements. The watchdog's report underscores the potential consequences when personal messaging apps intersect with matters of state security.
The Pentagon has not issued an immediate public statement addressing the inspector general's specific findings regarding Secretary Hegseth. The report will likely intensify calls for clearer policies and stricter enforcement regarding digital communication tools for all senior U.S. national security officials.
