Hegseth under fire for Yemen strike leaks, Trump dismisses reports

President Trump is backing Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth even as the Pentagon is rocked by a second leak scandal involving Signal app messages about airstrikes in Yemen, Reuters reported. 

According to reports, Hegseth discussed strike plans — including sensitive flight schedules — in a private group chat with his wife, brother, and lawyer. 

Some chat participants are Pentagon-affiliated, but others were not cleared for classified information.

The controversy follows a previous incident in which a journalist was mistakenly added to a similar Signal group, sparking outrage over the breach. 

Trump dismissed the latest uproar, calling media reports “just fake news” and praising Hegseth’s performance.

The backlash has intensified, with several Democratic lawmakers calling for Hegseth’s removal. 

Representative Jim McGovern accused him of leaking classified plans, while Senator Slotkin criticised him for distracting from military operations.

Hegseth has responded defiantly, blaming former staffers and the media for attacking his character. 

Meanwhile, a Pentagon probe into the leaks is ongoing, and recently ousted advisors have criticised their dismissals as unjust.

Despite Trump’s vocal support, speculation about Hegseth’s future continues.

Former Pentagon spokesman John Ullyot described the situation as “total chaos,” casting doubt on Hegseth’s ability to remain in his post.