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Former Pentagon Spokesperson Critiques Defense Secretary Hegseth Amidst Signal Chat Scrutiny
Washington D.C. – A former Pentagon spokesperson has criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s leadership of the Department of Defense, as pressure intensifies on the nation’s top military official. This criticism follows reports detailing a second Signal chatroom allegedly used to discuss sensitive military operations. The controversy raises concerns about potential breaches of protocol and the handling of classified information within the Pentagon.
Ullyot’s Scathing Assessment of Pentagon Leadership
John Ullyot, who recently resigned from his role as Pentagon spokesperson, penned an op-ed in Politico on Sunday, describing the situation within the Department of Defense as a “full-blown meltdown.” Ullyot stated that the Pentagon has been overwhelmed by internal strife and staff turnover during the early months of the second Trump administration.
Ullyot suggests this turbulent environment could jeopardize Hegseth’s position. He described the current state as “total chaos at the Pentagon,” citing leaks of sensitive operational plans and numerous firings. He emphasized that this disarray is a significant distraction for the president, who, according to Ullyot, “deserves better from his senior leadership.”
Second Signal Chat Room Sparks Further Controversy
Ullyot’s remarks coincide with a New York Times report alleging that Secretary Hegseth shared details of a recent US military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen via a second private Signal chat. This chat group reportedly included his wife, brother, and approximately a dozen other individuals.
Independent confirmation by The Guardian corroborated the existence of Hegseth’s personal group chat.
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Details of Shared Information
Sources familiar with the chat informed the Times that Hegseth disseminated information to his personal associates, mirroring details shared in a separate Signal group comprised of top officials. This information purportedly included flight schedules for F/A-18 Hornets involved in strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The first Signal group was initially brought to light by Jeffrey Goldberg of the Atlantic, who was inadvertently added to the conversation.
Mounting Pressure on Hegseth and the White House
The revelation of a second Signal chat, coupled with Ullyot’s sharp critique of the Pentagon under Hegseth’s stewardship, is expected to increase pressure on the White House to intervene and address the unfolding situation. The allegations raise serious questions about information security and leadership within the Department of Defense.
Pentagon Spokesperson Dismisses Allegations
In response to the New York Times report, Pentagon chief spokesperson Sean Parnell issued a statement via X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday night, dismissing the claims.
Parnell characterized the report as “another day, another old story – back from the dead,” accusing the “Trump-hating media” of attempting to discredit individuals aligned with President Trump’s agenda. He specifically targeted the New York Times and other news outlets for relying on “grievances of disgruntled former employees” as primary sources.
Parnell asserted, “There was no classified information in any Signal chat,” and maintained that the Office of the Secretary of Defense is becoming “stronger and more efficient” in executing President Trump’s objectives. He highlighted achievements for the “American warfighter” and affirmed the department’s commitment to its mission.
Senator Duckworth Condemns Hegseth’s Actions
Democratic Senator Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, a combat veteran, issued a statement asserting that the second Signal chat incident endangered military personnel.
Duckworth questioned, “How many times does Pete Hegseth need to leak classified intelligence before Donald Trump and Republicans understand that he isn’t only a liar, he is a threat to our national security?”
She demanded Hegseth’s resignation, stating, “Every day he stays in his job is another day our troops’ lives are endangered by his utter incompetence. He must resign in disgrace.”
Senator Reed Calls for Explanation and Accountability
Senator Jack Reed, a Democrat from Rhode Island and a senior member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, described the report as “another troubling example of Secretary Hegseth’s irresponsible neglect for the laws and protocols” expected of military personnel, should the allegations prove accurate.
Reed called for Hegseth to “immediately explain why he reportedly texted classified information that could endanger American service members’ lives on a commercial app” that included unauthorized individuals.
Senator Reed reiterated his prior concerns, stating he had “warned that Mr. Hegseth lacks the experience, competence, and character to run the Department of Defense.” He concluded that the “ongoing turmoil, disorganization, and widespread staff changes” under Hegseth’s leadership validated these concerns.
Ullyot Warns of Focus Shift Away From Warfighting
Ullyot cautioned that under Hegseth’s leadership, “the Pentagon focus is no longer on warfighting, but on endless drama,” reiterating that “the president deserves better than the current chaos at the Pentagon.” The unfolding controversy continues to raise questions about leadership and operational security at the highest levels of the Department of Defense.