Trump aides’ second Signal chat discussed Yemen strike.
U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly included his wife and brother in a second encrypted Signal chat, where confidential details of a U.S. military strike in Yemen were shared. This revelation, coming to light recently, has sparked renewed criticism and concern over the handling of sensitive national security information within the Trump administration. Critics argue that involving family members in discussions meant for top officials raises serious questions about protocol, accountability, and operational secrecy. The disclosure of such information through unofficial and non-secure channels has amplified existing concerns about transparency and governance during Trump’s tenure. As the situation develops, lawmakers and analysts alike are calling for deeper investigations into the administration’s communication practices and potential breaches of military confidentiality.
Pete Hegseth Shared Yemen Strike Details in Private Signal Chat Including Wife and Brother: NYT Report
In a development that’s raising fresh concerns about the handling of national security information during the Trump administration, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly created a second Signal messaging chat where he shared sensitive details of a military airstrike on Yemen with a group that included his wife and brother.
According to a report by The New York Times, the second Signal group, dubbed “Defense Team Huddle,” was used to communicate information similar to what had already been shared in another encrypted chat involving top Trump administration officials. Homeland Security liaison at the Pentagon.
It was part of the broader U.S. military campaign in the region, which has been drawing international scrutiny. What is drawing additional attention now is how information about the strike was handled — and specifically, who had access to it.
While it is secure for everyday communication, it is not authorized for the sharing of sensitive or classified national defense information by government officials. The app’s use for military planning and strike details, especially in unofficial or informal groups, has raised serious concerns among legal and national security experts.
A person familiar with the matter confirmed to The New York Times that the “Defense Team Huddle” group included individuals who were not formally cleared to receive such information. This includes Jennifer Hegseth and Phil Hegseth, both of whom have accompanied the defence secretary on official trips and attended high-level government meetings.
The revelation has triggered renewed criticism of both Secretary Hegseth and the wider Trump administration, which has so far not taken disciplinary action against officials who used Signal to coordinate or discuss military operations. Critics argue that this incident underscores a broader culture of informality and lack of accountability within the administration when it comes to handling national security protocols.
“It’s one thing to use encrypted apps to safeguard communications, but it’s quite another to involve non-government personnel in discussions that could involve sensitive military matters,” said a former senior Pentagon official, speaking on condition of anonymity. “This kind of behavior not only breaches protocol but could potentially endanger operational secrecy and lives.”
The fact that family members were included in such a chat is especially concerning, experts say. While both Jennifer and Phil Hegseth may have been present in official capacities at times, their inclusion in a group where real-time discussions about military operations were taking place has raised alarms.
So far, the White House, the National Security Council, and the Pentagon have not responded to requests for comment regarding the existence of the additional Signal chat group. The silence from the key agencies has only intensified calls for greater transparency and accountability in the way national defense information is managed.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are reportedly monitoring the situation, with several members of Congress expressing interest in launching inquiries into the matter. Given the heightened sensitivity surrounding U.S. military operations abroad — particularly in volatile regions like the Middle East — the unauthorized sharing of such information is likely to remain under scrutiny in the weeks ahead.
“Whether it’s classified or not, military planning and operations must be handled with the utmost care,” said a congressional staffer familiar with national security oversight. “When the lines between official and personal communication blur, it puts the entire chain of command at risk.”
The Trump administration has previously come under fire for its use of private messaging apps and informal channels for official government business. Former officials, including Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump, were found to have used WhatsApp and private emails for communications related to their roles in the administration. This latest revelation involving Hegseth adds to a growing list of instances where federal communication standards may have been compromised.
As public pressure mounts, analysts say that accountability measures may be necessary to restore trust in the systems meant to safeguard national security.
“If leaders are casual about information security, that attitude will trickle down — and eventually, it catches up with them.”
The extent to which the second Signal group influenced actual operational decisions remains unclear, but its existence highlights the persistent concerns surrounding cybersecurity, information governance, and ethical conduct among high-ranking government officials. For now, the “Defense Team Huddle” serves as a potent example of the challenges posed by modern communication tools in an era where the line between personal and professional spheres continues to blur.