Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), a former Black Hawk helicopter pilot and combat veteran, stated that the “singular incompetence” of Defense Secretary Pete Hegses necessitates that the military is put in jeopardy.
“Before Donald Trump and Republicans recognize he is not merely a liar, should Pete Hegses disclose his classified intelligence?” Duckworth, a member of the Senate’s Armed Services and Foreign Relations Committee, commented on X on Sunday.
“Each day he remains in his position is another day our troops’ lives are endangered due to his singular incompetence,” she added. “He needs to resign in disgrace.”
Duckworth’s remarks followed The New York Times report stating that Hegses allegedly shared sensitive details regarding the military operation in Yemen on March 15th within a private signal group chat.
The chat reportedly involved his wife Jennifer, a former Fox News producer and not currently affiliated with the Pentagon. Additionally, Hegses’ brother and a personal attorney, both Pentagon employees, were also part of the chat; however, the Times noted that “it’s unclear why future military attacks on Yemen’s Houthi targets need to be disclosed.”
According to The Times, which referenced four individuals familiar with the chats, the group chat comprised his wife and “approximately 12 individuals from his personal and professional close circle prior to his confirmation as Secretary of Defense in January.”
Hegseth has faced significant scrutiny for sharing comparable details in a high-level national security chat, a signal chat that inadvertently included top Atlantic editors.
In a social media update, Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesperson, addressed the Times’ article, stating, “Another day, another old story – from death.”
“No data was classified into any signal chat, regardless of how you attempted to narrate the story,” he added.
On Monday, the White House asserted that President Trump was a staunch supporter of Hegses.
Duckworth had been vocally critical of Hegses prior to his confirmation, previously labeling him “f—liar” and urging his resignation following the initial bombshell regarding the Atlantic signal group chat.
“Pete Hegses is a liar. This is clearly classified information he recklessly leaked, endangering our pilots. He must resign immediately in disgrace.”
“Hegseth and all other officials involved in this group chat should face independent investigations. If Republicans fail to join us in holding the Trump administration accountable, they are complicit in this likely criminal breach of our national security.”
