Washington, D.C. – A former high-ranking Pentagon official has raised concerns about the leadership of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, amid growing pressure on the top US military official following reports of a second Signal chatroom used for discussing sensitive military operations. John Ullyot, who recently resigned as Pentagon spokesperson, described the Pentagon’s situation as chaotic and riddled with turnover during the early months of the second Trump administration.
Ullyot’s criticism of Hegseth’s leadership comes after reports surfaced that Hegseth had shared details of a US attack on Yemeni Houthi rebels through a second private chatroom he created on the messaging app Signal. This revelation, along with Ullyot’s assessment of the Pentagon’s state under Hegseth, has raised concerns about the management of the Department of Defense.
The existence of the second Signal chat group, in which sensitive information was reportedly shared with personal associates, has raised questions about potential security risks and violations of protocol within the Defense Department. Democratic senators have called for an explanation from Hegseth regarding the alleged dissemination of classified information through unofficial channels.
The White House, however, has expressed support for Secretary Hegseth, with the press secretary reiterating President Trump’s confidence in his defense secretary. Despite reassurances from the administration, calls for action against Hegseth have continued to mount, with lawmakers expressing concerns about the implications of his actions on national security and military operations.
Ullyot warned that the current state of affairs at the Pentagon, under Hegseth’s leadership, is causing distractions from essential warfighting functions. The ongoing drama and turnover within the department have raised doubts about Hegseth’s ability to effectively lead the Defense Department and carry out the president’s agenda.
As the controversy surrounding Hegseth and the Pentagon continues to unfold, the focus remains on ensuring the integrity and security of sensitive military information. The calls for accountability and transparency within the Department of Defense highlight the importance of upholding strict protocols and standards to safeguard national security interests.