WASHINGTON

An unclassified version of a Pentagon watchdog report concludes that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth created unnecessary operational risks by sharing nonpublic military information over an unapproved and unsecured messaging platform.

According to the Office of Inspector General report, Hegseth used a personal cell phone and the messaging app Signal to transmit sensitive details — including the number of US aircraft and timing of planned strikes over hostile territory — between two and four hours before those operations were carried out. Signal messages are encrypted, but not to a military-grade standard.

Though Hegseth previously asserted in a July 25 statement to investigators that “there were no details that would endanger our troops or the mission,” the watchdog’s findings sharply contradict that claim.

The reports said "if this information had fallen into the hands of U.S. adversaries, (Yemeni) Houthi forces might have been able to counter U.S. forces or reposition personnel and assets to avoid planned U.S. strikes."

While no such breach occurred, investigators concluded that Hegseth’s actions "created a risk to operational security that could have resulted in failed U.S. mission objectives and potential harm to U.S. pilots."

The report underscores that using personal devices and unapproved applications “risks potential compromise of sensitive (Defense Department) information,” especially when sharing operational details in real time.

The investigation cites an ongoing lawsuit, American Oversight v. Hegseth, which seeks records relating to the defense secretary’s communications practices.

"We are not making any recommendations in this report related to the Secretary’s use of Signal to send sensitive nonpublic information because it represented only one instance of an identified, (Defense Department)-wide issue," it said.

- Mounting bipartisan criticism

The Pentagon on Wednesday denied reports that Hegseth leaked classified information about planned US strikes against Yemen’s Houthis in a group chat on the Signal messaging app this March.

"This Inspector General review is a TOTAL exoneration of Secretary Hegseth and proves what we knew all along - no classified information was shared. This matter is resolved and the case is closed," said chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell.

Hegseth also called the review a "total exoneration." "No classified information. Total exoneration. Case closed. Houthis bombed into submission. Thank you for your attention to this IG report," he said.

The release of the report comes as Hegseth faces mounting criticism over operational security lapses and shifting explanations surrounding recent US strikes in the Caribbean Sea.

Bipartisan lawmakers have called for further transparency from the Pentagon, with some urging his resignation.