Probe found Hegseth’s Signal use could have put US troops at risk: reports

AFP | Washington

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The Pentagon’s independent watchdog said US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of commercial messaging app Signal to discuss strikes on Yemen could have put American troops at risk, US media reported.

The probe by the inspector general’s office concluded that Hegseth did not, however, violate rules on classification because he has the authority to declassify information, the reports said, citing sources familiar with the results of the investigation.

The watchdog’s conclusion -- which has been transmitted to Congress -- is nonetheless likely to reignite debate over conduct by Hegseth, who is already under fire over US strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats that experts say amount to extrajudicial killings.

Asked earlier this week whether he retains confidence in Hegseth, Republican Senate majority leader John Thune said “others can make those evaluations,” according to the Washington Post newspaper.