No one—no matter their rank or title—should be allowed to violate military regulations, endanger U.S. troops, and walk away without consequence.

But that’s exactly what happened with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.

An eight-month Pentagon Inspector General investigation has found that Hegseth violated military rules by using an unsecured messaging app (Signal) to share classified information about a planned U.S. military strike in Yemen—including flight times, targets, and tactical details. That information was marked “secret” and, according to the IG, could have endangered American lives if intercepted.

The inspector general report confirms:

• Hegseth used his personal phone to conduct sensitive official business
• He shared details of ongoing military operations in private Signal chats
• The information was never properly declassified
• He also shared details in a chat including non-government individuals, like his attorney and family members.

Despite these violations, Hegseth refuses to acknowledge any wrongdoing. His defense? “No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed.”

But according to the investigation, the case is far from closed—and U.S. troops could have paid the price.

We call on Congress and the White House to immediately remove Pete Hegseth from his position as Secretary of Defense, and to:

• Launch a public hearing into the mishandling of classified information
• Enforce military regulations equally—regardless of rank or political affiliation
• Restore trust in the chain of command by showing that national security comes first.

This isn’t about politics. It’s about protecting the people who serve and defending the integrity of our national security systems.

If a lower-ranking soldier did this, they’d be court-martialed. Pete Hegseth should not be above the law.

Photo: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images