### Pentagon Watchdog Investigates Potential Deletion of Sensitive Signal Messages by Hegseth's Aides The Pentagon's internal watchdog is currently investigating whether aides to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth were instructed to delete messages from the Signal app that may have contained sensitive military information. This inquiry arises in the context of Hegseth's upcoming testimony before Congress, where he is expected to face scrutiny regarding his management of classified information. The investigation particularly focuses on communications related to airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen that occurred on March 15, 2025, and whether these details were improperly shared with a reporter [https://www.scmp.com/news/world/united-states-canada/article/3313464/hegseth-aides-probed-pentagon-watchdog-potentially-deleting-leaked-signal-chat-messages][https://www.deccanchronicle.com/world/americas/pentagon-investigates-if-staffers-were-asked-to-delete-hegseths-signal-messages-1883816]. ### Investigation Overview and Structure 1. **Nature of the Investigation**: The Pentagon's inspector general is examining the circumstances under which Hegseth's aides may have deleted Signal messages. 2. **Context of the Messages**: The messages in question reportedly contained sensitive information about military operations, specifically airstrikes in Yemen. 3. **Implications for Hegseth**: The investigation coincides with Hegseth's scheduled congressional testimony, raising questions about his handling of classified information. 4. **Previous Security Concerns**: Hegseth has faced prior scrutiny for installing an unsecured internet line in his office, which bypassed established Pentagon security protocols [https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/nation-world/pentagon-watchdog-investigates-hegseths-signal-messages/507-236c615c-c0fe-4c7d-9b62-92169fd62d65][https://www.euronews.com/2025/06/06/pentagon-watchdog-probes-if-staff-deleted-pete-hegseths-signal-chats-about-yemen]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Key Dates**: The investigation centers around communications from March 15, 2025, related to military airstrikes. - **Potential Violations**: The inquiry is focused on whether sensitive military information was shared inappropriately and if there was an attempt to cover this up by deleting messages. - **Congressional Testimony**: Hegseth is expected to testify under oath, which may further illuminate the circumstances surrounding the investigation [https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2025-06-06/pentagon-watchdog-investigates-if-staffers-were-asked-to-delete-hegseths-signal-messages][https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3450043-pentagon-under-scrutiny-signal-messaging-controversy-involving-defense-secretary]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Investigation Initiated**: The Pentagon's inspector general is probing the deletion of Signal messages by Hegseth's aides, focusing on sensitive military information. 2. **Contextual Background**: The investigation is linked to airstrikes in Yemen and Hegseth's upcoming congressional testimony, which may address these issues. 3. **Security Protocol Violations**: Hegseth has previously been criticized for security lapses, including the use of an unsecured internet line in his office. 4. **Potential Consequences**: The outcome of this investigation could have significant implications for Hegseth's position and the handling of sensitive military communications within the Pentagon [https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/world/us/signal-war-chat-leak-pentagon-watchdog-probes-if-orders-given-to-hegseths-aides-to-delete-messages/articleshow/121679533.cms][https://uk.news.yahoo.com/watchdog-looking-possibility-aide-deletions-135638141.html].