Top Democrats have demanded the resignation of U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth after reports emerged that he leaked classified military plans in a private Signal chat. The leaked information allegedly included sensitive details about upcoming U.S. airstrikes on Iran-backed Houthi targets in Yemen.
Hegseth is accused of sharing this information with a group chat that included a journalist. Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, confirmed that he received messages detailing U.S. military operations on March 15. Just two hours after Goldberg got the message, the U.S. military launched coordinated airstrikes against Houthi positions.
The National Security Council has verified the authenticity of the leaked messages, leading to bipartisan alarm over the national security breach. Many lawmakers, including top Democratic leaders, have called the leak an unforgivable act that compromises national security.
Democrats Call for Immediate Resignation
Democratic National Committee Chair Ken Martin did not hold back in his criticism, calling Hegseth’s actions “reckless and inexcusable.” Martin emphasized that the Defense Secretary was already unfit for the role and should either resign or be immediately dismissed. He argued that someone who leaks military strategies in an unsecured chat cannot be trusted with national security decisions.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries also condemned the breach, calling it “a stunning lapse in judgment.” Jeffries said the leak highlights the dangers of appointing individuals without proper experience to crucial positions. He further urged congressional Republicans to support a full investigation into the matter.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer described the breach as one of the most serious in recent history. Schumer expressed shock over the use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app not authorized for government use, to share classified military intelligence. He noted that the issue was not just about leaking information to a journalist but also about using a non-governmental communication platform for sensitive discussions.
Hillary Clinton Reacts as Republicans Offer Mixed Responses
The controversy has sparked reactions from across the political spectrum. Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who previously faced scrutiny over her use of private emails for government business, weighed in on the situation with a post on X (formerly Twitter). Sharing an article on the leak, she wrote, “You have got to be kidding me,” followed by a wide-eyed emoji, expressing disbelief at the situation.
While many Republicans have downplayed the leak, others have acknowledged its severity. Senator John Kennedy described it as a “mistake” that sometimes “just happens.” However, senior Republican lawmakers have shown concern and stopped short of defending Hegseth.
Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate Armed Services Committee, stated that a bipartisan investigation will proceed. “This is a serious matter, and we will examine the details thoroughly,” he told reporters.
Intelligence Committee member Senator John Cornyn was more direct in his assessment. “This is a huge screw-up—there’s no other way to put it,” he said, warning that such leaks could endanger military personnel and national security.
Growing Fallout and Calls for Investigation
The leak has intensified scrutiny over the security practices within the Department of Defense. Lawmakers are questioning how a private citizen—a journalist—ended up receiving classified details of a military operation in an unsecured chat. Many are demanding to know whether this was an isolated incident or part of a broader pattern of security lapses.
The Biden administration has not yet publicly commented on whether Hegseth will face consequences. However, sources within the Pentagon have indicated that internal discussions on the matter are ongoing. The White House is reportedly reviewing the situation and will determine whether disciplinary action is necessary.
As the scandal unfolds, both Congress and the Pentagon are expected to conduct in-depth investigations to understand the full scope of the breach. Lawmakers from both parties are preparing to hold hearings on how classified military strategies ended up in a Signal chat and what security measures need to be put in place to prevent similar breaches in the future.
With national security at the center of this growing controversy, pressure is mounting on Hegseth to step down. Whether he chooses to resign or faces removal remains to be seen. One thing is clear—this incident has raised serious concerns about the handling of classified military information at the highest levels of government.