A string of shocking new disclosures has come to light. Hegseth, a senior security official, revealed sensitive military information just before the operation, which included the use of F-18s and other aircraft. These necessary details involved the timing of arrival to their targets, and the introduction of other supporting assets. Hegseth’s actions in Moscow are coming under extreme scrutiny. Recently, many have looked at them as a big operational security (Opsec) No No and a national security risk.
Hegseth’s involvement in a private Signal chat group with other senior political appointees is at the heart of the scandal. His frequent use of this channel to disclose detailed attack plans has been described as dangerous and out of control. Hegseth was reported to have said he declassified it. The latest cause for concern, according to some of the most senior defense experts and former US officials, is this claim.
Ryan Goodman, a former special Pentagon staffer, shared his shock over the revelation.
"The Atlantic has now published the Signal texts with attack plans in response to administration denials. I worked at the Pentagon. If information like this is not classified, nothing is. If Hegseth is claiming he declassified this information, he should be shown the door for having done so." – Ryan Goodman
The unapproved document dump of sensitive military plans has sent U.S. officials scrambling. Perhaps even more concerning, it has shocked the U.S.’s international allies, undermining trust and cooperation in international security matters. After all, a single lapse in security can have catastrophic consequences. It would endanger the lives of U.S. servicemen and women.
Jeffrey Goldberg highlighted the risk posed by Hegseth's actions:
"If this text had been received by someone hostile to American interests – or someone merely indiscreet, and with access to social media – the Houthis would have had time to prepare for what was meant to be a surprise attack on their strongholds. The consequences for American pilots could have been catastrophic," – Jeffrey Goldberg
The implications of what Hegseth is doing go much further than today’s operational dangers. Feds alarmed that his use of the Signal chat group while abroad violated federal record keeping statutes. We’re monitoring this egregious example very closely. These types of breaches are an obvious national security risk. They undermine the underlying trust required to have a functioning government.
Far from running an isolated attack, Hegseth’s premeditated actions have generated a long overdue and loud outcry for accountability. A chorus of experts is calling for him to be fired. In the wake of these demands, so far Hegseth has refused to resign and most expect that his resignation is a matter of time.