Defense Secretary Pete Hegses opposed a New York Times report claiming he shared sensitive details, including military airstrikes. Houtsis backed by Iran In Yemen, in a second signalling chat that includes his wife and brother, “Fox & Friends” said Tuesday that the controversy was an attempt to “scatter” President Donald Trump’s agenda.
“If you remember… I said no one was texting the war plan because I’m in the Pentagon gut every day. [during the first leak] And now it was an informal, uncategorized adjustment for media adjustments. [and] He told co-host Brian Kilmeade.
“Initially, I was a reporter on the left of the Atlantic, and wanted to get it and create a problem for the president,” he continued.
“That’s all. We’re about to get to President Trump and his agenda.”
Hegseth shared details of Yemen Strike on the Second Signal Chat: Report
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegses is turning his eyes before a luncheon with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in the Cabinet Office of the White House in Washington, DC on April 17, 2025. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP)
Hegses accused the alleged leaks were discovered during an ongoing Pentagon investigation that attempted to “scatter” the Trump administration.
“That’s a shame. That’s not what I’m doing. It’s the way we operate, so you’re pushing another allegation again. It’s not based on how we’re operating around here. We’re for the fighters, we’re for the president, this isn’t based on reality.”
The Pentagon opposed the New York Times report on Sunday, with White House press secretary Caroline Leavitt telling the president to “Fox & Friends.” Donald Trump He is standing by Hegzes.
The first signal chat revealed last month included Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg.
This is a developing story. Please check for updates.
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Stephen Sorace of Fox News contributed to this report.
