The White House has initiated the search for a new Secretary of Defense, as disclosed by a U.S. official who spoke on the condition of anonymity. This development follows ongoing controversies involving Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. NPR has corroborated with the same official that Hegseth reportedly shared information with his wife and brother via a Signal chat on his personal phone shortly after receiving an update from a senior U.S. military official about strikes in Yemen. This was initially reported by The New York Times.
In March, Hegseth disseminated details about actions against Houthi targets in Yemen to a Signal chat that inadvertently included a journalist, alongside top White House officials.
Recently, four senior advisers to Hegseth have resigned unexpectedly, with some facing allegations of leaking information. These individuals have issued public statements hinting at internal conflicts within the Department of Defense.
Despite the unfolding events, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt denied any attempt to replace Hegseth. In a post on Platform X, she asserted that President Trump “stands strongly” behind Hegseth.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.
Note: Katherine Maher, NPR’s CEO, serves as the board chair for the Signal Foundation.
