Trump Backs Pete Hegseth Despite Signal Leak Scandal
Trump backs Pete Hegseth — President Donald Trump has strongly defended U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid a Signal chat leak scandal. The leak involved sensitive military data shared in an unsecured chat, raising serious concerns within the Pentagon about data security protocols.
Trump reaffirmed his confidence in Hegseth, saying, “Pete’s doing a great job. Everybody’s happy with him.” When asked about his continued trust, Trump responded, “Oh totally,” and joked, “Ask the Houthis how he’s doing,” referencing the U.S. military’s operations against the Iran-backed group.
This marks the second time Pete Hegseth’s use of Signal for sensitive communication has caused controversy. The previous incident involved The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief being accidentally added to a Signal chat discussing confidential military matters.
Why Trump Backs Pete Hegseth Amid Controversy
Despite rising political pressure and calls for resignation, White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the administration is not planning to replace Pete Hegseth. She dismissed reports suggesting a possible replacement.
Signal Leak Raises Pentagon Concerns
The recent Signal chat leak involved Hegseth’s brother and a DHS liaison, where sensitive details about an attack on the Houthis were shared. While intended for internal use, it highlighted flaws in communication security.
Pentagon Fallout Over Hegseth’s Actions
Sources say Hegseth had been warned not to use unsecured platforms like Signal for classified discussions. In response to the leak, the Pentagon Inspector General launched an investigation to assess the security breach.
Trump’s Continued Support for Pete Hegseth
In the face of scrutiny, Hegseth defended his communication practices, emphasizing his alignment with Trump’s defense policies. The President remains steadfast in supporting Hegseth, despite the ongoing investigation.
Political Reactions and Future Implications
Republican lawmakers remain largely silent. However, Congressman Don Bacon criticized the leak as unacceptable. Hegseth’s loyalty to Trump’s defense strategies continues to shield him from political fallout.
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