An inspector general report released earlier this week found Secretary of War Pete Hegseth could have endangered troops by using the encrypted Signal app to discuss a pending strike on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Hegseth called the IG findings a "total exoneration."
While U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Saks), the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, did not call it a total exoneration, he dismissed claims that the Signal communication posed a threat to what he deemed to be a "successful operation."
"Ultimately, the Secretary of Defense has the authority to determine classification levels, and he exercised that authority here. It's important to remember that this was a successful operation that took out a dangerous target with no harm to U.S. troops," Rogers said in a statement released on social media. "It's clear that the discussion on Signal didn't compromise the mission."
He continued, "During the past few administrations, the use of Signal for communication between government officials has grown, so I appreciate the comprehensive work by the IG to develop recommendations on how to improve and secure communications. I encourage the Administration to follow these recommendations, and I look forward to discussions with the Pentagon on how to implement them."
Statement from Chairman @RepMikeRogersAL: Ultimately, the Secretary of Defense has the authority to determine classification levels, and he exercised that authority here. It’s important to remember that this was a successful operation that took out a dangerous target with no harm…
— Armed Services GOP (@HASCRepublicans) December 4, 2025
Jeff Poor is the editor-in-chief of 1819 News and host of "The Jeff Poor Show," heard Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-noon on Mobile's FM Talk 106.5. To connect or comment, email [email protected] or follow him on Twitter @jeff_poor.
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