Pentagon’s ‘Signalgate’ Review Sent to Congress Amid Fallout/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A redacted version of the Pentagon’s internal review into the use of private messaging app Signal for military communications—known as “Signalgate”—will be released Thursday. The full, classified report has already been delivered to the Senate Armed Services Committee. The controversy adds further pressure to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid investigations into recent boat strikes near Venezuela.
Signalgate Quick Looks
- Pentagon’s internal “Signalgate” review finalized and sent to Congress
- Redacted public version to be released Thursday, officials confirm
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used Signal to discuss Yemen strikes
- Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to private group chat
- Incident triggered bipartisan congressional calls for investigation
- Full report delivered to Senate Armed Services Committee in secure setting
- Comes as Hegseth faces scrutiny over Venezuela boat strikes
- Inspector general report may fuel calls for Hegseth’s resignation
Deep Look: Pentagon Sends ‘Signalgate’ Review to Congress as Hegseth Faces Mounting Pressure
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A redacted and unclassified version of the Pentagon’s internal review into the use of the Signal messaging app by senior Trump administration officials to coordinate military actions is set to be released to the public on Thursday, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter.
The full classified version of the report, which delves into the controversial internal communications incident now known as “Signalgate,” has already been sent to the Senate Armed Services Committee, where members can review it in a secure room.
This development comes at a time when Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth is already under intense scrutiny over military strikes near Venezuela, which have drawn bipartisan concern over possible violations of international law.
What Is Signalgate?
“Signalgate” refers to the use of the encrypted messaging app Signal by high-ranking Trump officials, including Hegseth, to coordinate sensitive military discussions, including potential strikes in Yemen. The controversy exploded earlier this year when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was mistakenly added to one of the Signal group chats—prompting widespread backlash and an immediate call for review.
In March 2025, the chat reportedly included discussions of operational timing, force posture, and potential civilian impact zones. While the Trump administration insisted that no classified information was shared in the thread, members of Congress raised concerns about the lack of oversight and transparency.
Inspector General Report Completed
According to NBC News, the Department of Defense Inspector General has completed the internal probe, which began in April, following formal bipartisan requests for an expedited review. The report has now been delivered to Secretary Hegseth, who has not publicly commented on its findings.
While key operational details and specific participants have been redacted in the public release, the full version reportedly outlines:
- The timeline of communications surrounding the Yemen operation
- The chain of command and decision-making hierarchy
- An assessment of whether protocols for classified communications were violated
- Recommendations for future communications policy
Timing Raises Political Stakes
The release of the Signalgate report comes as Hegseth is already weathering serious criticism related to recent U.S. military strikes on alleged drug trafficking boats off the coast of Venezuela, particularly one controversial follow-up strike that reportedly targeted survivors in the water.
Multiple senators from both parties have launched investigations into the incident, with some Democrats renewing calls for Hegseth’s resignation in light of what they argue is a dangerous pattern of reckless leadership.
Trump Administration’s Response
When the Signalgate controversy first broke, Trump administration officials attempted to downplay it, arguing that no sensitive data was mishandled and calling the uproar a “media distraction.” They maintained that using apps like Signal was part of an “adaptable and mobile” leadership style in fast-moving operational environments.
Still, legal analysts and former defense officials have noted that while Signal provides encryption, the use of private, unmonitored messaging platforms for military coordination raises serious legal and procedural red flags.
Calls for Oversight Intensify
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle, especially those on the Senate and House Armed Services Committees, are now demanding clearer guidance on secure communication channels and stricter protocols for internal coordination. Some Democrats are calling for a formal hearing on both Signalgate and the boat strike incident.
“Transparency and accountability are not optional in matters of war and peace,” said Sen. Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois and Iraq War veteran. “This isn’t just about apps—it’s about judgment, protocol, and national security.”
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