The White House is initiating the search for a new Secretary of Defense, as stated by a U.S. official who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the topic. Currently, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is embroiled in a controversy following revelations that he disclosed details of military operations in Yemen through a private Signal chat. Sources have confirmed Hegseth’s communication, which included updates on the Yemen strikes, was shared with his wife and brother minutes after receiving information from a senior U.S. military officer. The New York Times first reported on this particular Signal chat.
Previously, in March, Hegseth had inadvertently included a journalist in another Signal chat discussing actions against Houthi targets in Yemen with senior White House officials. Recently, four of Hegseth’s senior advisers have departed their positions, some of them facing accusations of leaking information. These advisers have publicly indicated that there is internal discord within the Department of Defense.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has refuted claims of plans to replace Hegseth, stating on X that President Trump fully supports him. This developing story will receive further updates as more information becomes available.
In a related disclosure, NPR’s CEO, Katherine Maher, is the chair of the board of the Signal Foundation.
