Pentagon Official Installed Messaging App for Internal Communication Amid Security Scrutiny

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth arranged for the messaging app Signal to be installed on a private computer in his Pentagon office, enabling real-time communication in a secure space where personal mobile devices are prohibited and cellular service is limited.

The setup, which allowed for direct messaging within the heavily restricted environment, was confirmed by two individuals familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the subject.

According to one of the sources, Hegseth had two computers in his office: one personal and one government-issued. In early March, he had cables installed to facilitate Signal usage on the private machine. The same capability was reportedly extended to his confidential assistant and junior military aide, Col. Ricky Buria.

Signal, which is widely used for encrypted communications, is an app approved for government use. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the concerns as unwarranted, calling the matter “another nonstory.”

Nonetheless, the development has drawn increased scrutiny following a New York Times report that Hegseth had disclosed detailed attack plans in a Signal group chat hours before a strike on Houthi targets in Yemen. The group reportedly included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. A similar message was also sent to a group of top national security officials — inadvertently including Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who later reported on the conversation.

In response to the controversy, the Pentagon’s acting inspector general has opened an inquiry to determine whether Hegseth’s use of Signal complied with policies surrounding classified communication and records retention. Senators Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Jack Reed (D-RI) formally requested the review.

Hegseth has not denied the existence of the Signal chats, but he insists that no classified material was shared and that the communications were informal and unclassified. He also criticized media coverage of the incident, suggesting it was politically motivated.

Still, national security and legal experts note that similar behavior by defense contractors — such as the use of unauthorized technology or mishandling of sensitive materials — has often resulted in security clearance revocations and job termination. In many cases, employees who transferred work information to personal devices or used unsecured communication tools lost their access, even when the violations were deemed unintentional.

Bradley Moss, a lawyer who specializes in clearance cases, said actions like Hegseth’s would likely have had serious consequences for lower-level employees.

“Criminal prosecution would be a real concern in similar circumstances,” he said.

The review into Hegseth’s use of Signal is ongoing, as is a broader examination of how senior officials handle secure communications. While the Trump administration has continued to support Hegseth, some within the White House have expressed frustration with his management of staff and public messaging.

With input from the New York Times and the Washington Post.