Signalgate report finds Hegseth potentially put U.S. forces at risk

"Driving the news: Hegseth "created a risk to operational security that could have resulted in failed U.S. mission objectives and potential harm to U.S. pilots" by sharing sequencing details about an upcoming attack on the Houthis in Yemen over an "unapproved, unsecure network," the Inspector General's report reads. Per the report, Hegseth told the IG's office in a statement that "there were no details that would endanger our troops or the mission.""

"But the watchdog concluded that "if this information had fallen into the hands of U.S. adversaries, Houthi forces might have been able to counter U.S. forces or reposition personnel and assets to avoid planned U.S. strikes." Yes, but: Chief Pentagon spokesperson and senior adviser Sean Parnell described the report, which found that Hegseth violated DoD policy, as a "TOTAL exoneration" that "proves" that "no classified information was shared.""

A House Democrat intends to introduce a longshot impeachment effort against Hegseth stemming from a Signal-related security incident. The Inspector General found Hegseth shared sequencing details about an upcoming attack on the Houthis in Yemen over an unapproved, unsecure Signal network, creating risks to operational security and potential harm to pilots. Hegseth told the IG he believed no details endangered troops or the mission. The watchdog concluded the information could have enabled adversaries to counter or reposition against planned strikes. The report found DoD policy violations; Hegseth declined an interview and did not provide his personal phone.

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