Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is grappling with a deepening crisis at the Pentagon as key aides abandon ship amid a scandal over leaked military plans, according to The Daily Mail.
The controversy, rooted in a Signal group chat, has thrown the Department of Defense into disarray, raising serious questions about leadership and security protocols. Democrats are seizing on the story to challenge Hegseth’s ability to steer the nation’s defense.
The Pentagon is reeling from the suspensions of Senior Advisor Dan Caldwell, Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, and Colin Carroll, Chief of Staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen Feinberg.
The turmoil stems from an internal investigation into a Signal group chat that exposed sensitive military information. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz created the chat to coordinate responses to Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
Shockingly, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was included, risking the leak of classified details.
Hegseth and his team shared operational plans in the chat, including timelines and specifics about U.S. military assets.
The Pentagon’s acting inspector general is now reviewing whether proper procedures for private messaging platforms were followed. The probe will also examine compliance with classification and records retention rules.
Earlier this year, Kasper requested an investigation into separate Pentagon leaks. Those leaks involved military plans for the Panama Canal, a second carrier in the Red Sea, Elon Musk’s visit to the department, and a pause in Ukraine intelligence collection. The findings of that probe remain unclear, adding to the current unrest.
Internal friction has fueled the chaos, with reports of personality clashes between Kasper and the suspended officials. “Joe didn’t like those guys. They just didn’t get along,” a defense official said anonymously.
The Signal chat fallout has amplified criticism of Hegseth’s leadership. Some argue it exposes a pattern of mismanagement within the Pentagon. The absence of a chief of staff, deputy chief of staff, and senior adviser has left the department struggling to function effectively.
“There’s a complete meltdown in the building,” a senior official told Politico. The official spoke on condition of anonymity, reflecting the tense atmosphere. The crisis has sparked fears of further instability.
Hegseth’s earlier decisions have also drawn scrutiny. In 2025, he controversially removed Joint Chiefs Chair Gen. C.Q. Brown and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Lisa Franchetti. These moves alienated some within the military establishment, setting the stage for the current backlash.
Critics like Chris Meagher, a former Biden administration official, have been vocal. “Everyone knew that Pete Hegseth did not possess the leadership qualities, background, or experience to be Secretary of Defense,” Meagher said. He pointed to the firings and “sloppiness of Signalgate” as evidence of Hegseth’s shortcomings.
Meagher continued, “The complete lack of transparency, and now several political staff being shown the door, has only confirmed he doesn’t have what it takes to lead.” His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among Hegseth’s detractors. They see the crisis as a failure of judgment.
The Pentagon’s uniformed military staff is highly capable, but the front office’s dysfunction is taking a toll. “There’s only so much they can pick up in an organization that big,” a former Trump administration official noted. The strain on operations is palpable.
No one’s job appears safe as the investigation continues. The review of communication protocols could lead to further fallout. Hegseth’s team faces mounting pressure to restore stability.
Despite the criticism, Hegseth’s supporters argue he’s being unfairly targeted by political opponents. They see the investigation as an attempt to undermine a secretary committed to bold reforms. Yet, with the Pentagon in turmoil, Hegseth must act swiftly to regain control.