Pentagon Report Details Defense Leaders’ Use of Private Messaging Apps

By Charlie McCarthy | Wednesday, 03 December 2025 10:16 AM EST

WASHINGTON — A detailed Pentagon report examining the use of private messaging apps by senior defense officials to discuss sensitive military operations is set for public release Thursday. The unclassified review already has been fully provided to Congress.

The report concerns “Signalgate,” a controversy dating back to March when it was revealed that Trump administration officials used the encrypted Signal app to discuss strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats near Venezuela. These discussions were deemed sensitive due to their potential impact on national security and U.S. military operations abroad, including in Yemen.

The watchdog review, initiated by the War Department inspector general following bipartisan requests from Capitol Hill, has been completed. According to unredacted portions of the report released Wednesday, it has been transmitted entirely to members of the Senate Armed Services Committee for secure, off-the-record examination before its public release.

As the Pentagon prepares a redacted public version, critics are ready to seize on the findings. House appropriators have already leveled sharp criticism at Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.

The report focuses on two aspects: the initial use of Signal in March for sensitive military planning and subsequent concerns about transparency surrounding a July attack on an unverified vessel off Venezuela’s coast. Following the release of internal communications, administration officials defended both actions as necessary against drug cartels operating near U.S. borders.

Despite public censure anticipated from Thursday’s release, figures like Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth have insisted they face unfair targeting for taking action against foreign adversaries abroad and domestic threats closer to home. Pentagon spokespersons including Sean Parnell have characterized the inspector general’s review as a “political witch hunt.”

The findings are set to become part of an administration-wide controversy that already has fueled calls from critics demanding Secretary Pete Hegseth resign over his leadership style and decision-making processes.