Pentagon IG report expected in days as Hegseth defends Houthi mission
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., recently engaged in a heated exchange with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding the alleged sharing of classified information about U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels. The confrontation took place during a congressional hearing, with Moulton questioning Hegseth on whether he disclosed sensitive operational details on an unclassified chat app.
Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, pressed Hegseth to take responsibility if it was confirmed that he shared the launch time for F-18s going into combat over enemy territory on an unclassified Signal chat. Despite Moulton’s direct questioning, Hegseth avoided giving a clear answer, stating that any communication from the secretary of defense is classified by nature.
The Pentagon inspector general initiated an investigation in April to determine if Hegseth improperly discussed operational plans for a U.S. offensive against the Houthis in Yemen. Moulton raised concerns about the possibility of Hegseth receiving marked classified information from Central Command and sharing it through insecure channels.
During the exchange, Hegseth emphasized the success of the mission against the Houthis but refrained from confirming whether the information shared was classified. Moulton continued to press for accountability, questioning Hegseth on whether he would accept responsibility if the inspector general’s report found a breach.
In addition to the classified information sharing allegations, Moulton also questioned the cost of the U.S. campaign against the Houthis, citing reports that the operation had exceeded $1 billion. He highlighted the lack of U.S.-flagged commercial ships transiting the Red Sea since the operation began.
The leaked Signal messages from Hegseth to high-level administration officials revealed details about the use of F-18s, Navy fighter aircraft, MQ-9 drones, and Tomahawk cruise missiles in the strike against the Houthis. Despite claims by Trump administration officials that no classified information was shared, the investigation by the inspector general will also focus on compliance with classification and records retention requirements.
The tense exchange between Moulton and Hegseth underscores the importance of maintaining the security and confidentiality of sensitive military operations. As the investigation unfolds, the outcome will determine whether accountability is necessary for any breaches of classified information protocols.
