IG Report: Hegseth Installed Personal Cell System in Pentagon Office
In a recent report by the Pentagon Inspector General, serious concerns were raised regarding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s use of a personal cell system in his Pentagon office. This system allowed Hegseth to access and control his cellphone, potentially jeopardizing national security.
Details of the Investigation
The investigation, led by Inspector General Steven Stebbins, examined Hegseth’s use of the Signal app, particularly in relation to the sharing of sensitive information about airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. The report highlighted that Hegseth’s actions risked the safety of US military personnel.
Installation of the Unique System
- The unique system was installed in late February 2025.
- It allowed Hegseth to remotely control his personal phone from his secure office.
- The setup included a keyboard, mouse, and monitor connected to the phone, which was located outside the office.
According to the report, Hegseth’s assistant facilitated the installation at the Defense Secretary’s request. However, it was noted that the system was removed by late April 2025, and its compliance with Department of Defense security policies could not be confirmed.
DoD Policy on Personal Devices
The Department of Defense maintains strict policies prohibiting personal and government mobile devices in secure spaces like Hegseth’s office. Traditional measures, such as using lockers for devices, are common within the Pentagon. The investigation revealed that while Hegseth claimed to seek a compliant solution for access, the outcomes raised significant security implications.
Risks to National Security
Hegseth confirmed that he had requested the capability to access his phone to receive non-official communications during the workday. However, the report underscored alarming potential consequences. Hegseth was found to have shared classified details from a SECRET/NOFORN email about the timing and assets involved in US military operations.
Potential Impact of Information Sharing
- Hegseth inadvertently included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in group chats sharing sensitive information.
- The inspector general concluded that this could endanger US military personnel if intercepted by adversaries.
Despite Hegseth’s assertions that no critical information was shared, the investigation determined that his actions created a risk to operational security. This scenario could have compromised US missions and endangered military pilots.
The Pentagon has yet to provide a comment on the findings. As this situation develops, it highlights the complexities of communication security within governmental operations, particularly in high-stakes environments such as the Pentagon.
