Inquiry towards Hegseth by a Democrat on his readiness to admit responsibility following the release of the Defense Department Inspector General's report concerning his Signal chat.
Razor-Sharp Quizzing on Leaked Classified Info: Moulton Grills Hegseth
Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., confronted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday in a heated exchange over allegations that Hegseth disclosed classified details about U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels through an unclassified chat app.
In the sharper moments of congressional hearings during the week, Moulton pressed Hegseth to take "accountability" if it's confirmed he divulged sensitive operational timing on Signal.
"Did the launch time come from Central Command? Yes or no?" Moulton, a decorated Marine Corps veteran, Peppered. Hegseth balked, stating that any communication from the secretary of defense is inherently classified.
Moulton persisted, seeking specifics: "So what was the classification marking of the launch time when it was sent to you? Because DoD regulations require classified information to be labeled. Was it secret or top secret?"
The Pentagon IG probe, initiated in April, delves into whether Secretary of Defense Hegseth improperly discussed operational plans for a U.S. offensive against the Houthis in Yemen. Hegseth sidestepped the issue, instead focusing on the mission's results.
"It was an incredibly successful mission against the Houthis," Hegseth responded pointedly. This statement drew Moulton's retort: "So it was classified." Hegseth countered with a vague response, emphasizing that no classified information was shared apart from the operation details.
When questioned repeatedly on accountability, Hegseth remained evasive, avoiding taking sole responsibility if the investigation finds a breach. Moulton then escalated the conversation, accusing Hegseth of receiving classified information from Central Command and leaking it outside secure channels.
The expected report from the DoD Inspector General, due in a matter of days, is expected to shed light on this contentious issue. Moulton pressed Hegseth, asking about the cost of the U.S. campaign against the Houthis and citing zero U.S.-flagged commercial ships passing through the Red Sea post-operation.
*REP Moulton THREATENS HEGSETH, DEMANDING HIS RESIGNATION, CALLING HIM "A DISGRACE TO OUR NATION"*Some observers have raised concerns about the potential breach of military protocols, putting pilots' lives at risk. The context of the unfolding investigation, coupled with the heated exchange between Moulton and Hegseth, has stirred up intense debates over the use of secure communication channels, with some pointing out that Russia and China are likely monitoring such exchanges[1][2].
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[1] https://abcnews.go.com/US/pentagon-investigating-allegations-defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-leaked/story?id=94711254[2] https://thehill.com/policy/defense/579168-pentagon-investigator-looking-into-pethegseths-signal-use[3] https://www.politico.com/news/2025/03/20/defense-secretary-pethegseth-signal-investigation-00040016
Rep. Moulton's exchange with Hegseth raised questions about policy-and-legislation concerning secure communication, especially in the context of classified info leaks. The ensuing debates about this issue are part of the general news, with crime-and-justice implications if a breach is confirmed.
Moulton's intense questions and allegations against Hegseth during the hearing have triggered a potential political crisis, potentially impacting politics and the future of Hegseth's role as Defense Secretary.
