Who Is Pete Hegseth? The Media Firestorm Surrounding Trump’s Defense Secretary Pick-1

MAGA's Golden Boy Pete Hegseth Gets the Cold Shoulder

By Ivy Vega • Apr 24, 2025

Pete Hegseth speaking at an event in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 3.0.

He shared classified military plans on Signal® again — this time with his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. Now, even Trump's most loyal Defense Secretary may be running out of second chances.

Pete Hegseth is under fire after revelations that he used the encrypted messaging app to send sensitive information about U.S. airstrikes to a private family group chat, just weeks after he did the same thing in a separate Signal thread that mistakenly included a journalist. The fallout has shaken the Pentagon, enraged lawmakers from both parties, and triggered quiet discussions about his possible replacement.

Chaos in the Pentagon

The scandal first broke when reports surfaced that Hegseth shared sensitive operational details about U.S. airstrikes in Yemen using the Signal app — a messaging platform known for its encryption, but not approved for classified information. The messages weren't just sent to senior White House officials. One chat included Hegseth's wife, brother, and personal lawyer.

Another Signal group chat created by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz included a journalist who was added by mistake — giving a civilian accidental access to classified information.

These leaks occurred just hours before U.S. airstrikes were launched on Houthi targets in Yemen. At a time when American drones had already been shot down twice, the idea that a foreign adversary could have intercepted this intel has left security experts deeply concerned.

The Pentagon confirmed both Signal chats occurred, and officials acknowledged that the breach triggered an internal review of communication protocols. Meanwhile, three of Hegseth's close advisers — all longtime associates from his work at Concerned Veterans for America — were escorted out of the Pentagon amid allegations they had leaked information to the press. The advisers deny wrongdoing and claim they haven't been told what they're accused of sharing.

A Meltdown at the Top

John Ullyot, a former Pentagon spokesperson who resigned shortly before the leaks were made public, painted a bleak picture of the department under Hegseth's leadership. In an op-ed for Politico, he described the environment as a "full-blown meltdown," and a "month from hell," citing infighting, leaks, and leadership failures that have distracted from the department's mission and tarnished morale.

Ullyot is not alone in his criticism. Republican Rep. Don Bacon, a retired Air Force general and member of the House Armed Services Committee, became the first GOP lawmaker to say Hegseth should be fired. While praising Hegseth's patriotism, Bacon said he lacked the experience and judgment required for the job — and that "if it's true that he had another [Signal] chat with his family, about the missions against the Houthis, it's totally unacceptable," as reported by Politico.

Other lawmakers, including Democratic Senator Jack Reed, voiced similar concerns, with Reed saying it "is another troubling example of Secretary Hegseth's reckless disregard for the laws and protocols that every other military service member is required to follow," as reported by The Guardian.

The Trump Factor: Public Praise, Private Doubts?

Despite mounting pressure, President Trump has publicly defended Hegseth. At the White House Easter event, he dismissed the uproar as media noise and said Hegseth is "doing a great job — ask the Houthis how he's doing," as reported by NPR.

But according to a U.S. official speaking anonymously, the White House has already begun quietly looking for potential replacements — a move likely aimed at containing the political fallout and preparing for a worst-case scenario.

Who Could Replace Hegseth?

If Trump cuts Hegseth loose, several names are rumored to be in the running:

  • Mike Waltz: The national security adviser is already deeply involved in defense planning and has remained in good standing despite his connection to one of the Signal chats.
  • Pete Sessions: The Texas congressman and staunch Trump supporter is viewed as a safe, experienced pick who could bring a steadier hand to the role.
  • Elise Stefanik: Currently a power player in GOP leadership has long been considered a candidate for higher office — and her fierce loyalty could make her an appealing choice for Trump.

None of these names have been confirmed by the administration, but their emergence reflects the rising doubt about whether Hegseth can weather the storm.

Why It Matters

Hegseth's defenders argue the leaks were exaggerated by disgruntled former staffers and hostile media outlets. The Pentagon's chief spokesperson said the scandal was driven by anonymous sources and insisted that no classified information was shared — despite confirmation that sensitive details were sent via Signal.

Still, critics say the leadership crisis has gone far beyond a single messaging app. They see a pattern of recklessness, poor judgment, and misplaced priorities that is eroding trust in one of the country’s most vital institutions.

Whether or not Trump ultimately cuts ties, the clock may be ticking. Hegseth's days may not be numbered publicly — but privately, the countdown could already be underway.

References: Exclusive: The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary | 'An amateur person': GOP Rep. Bacon says Hegseth should go | 'Full-blown meltdown' at Pentagon after Hegseth's second Signal chat revealed | Opinion | Former Top Pentagon Spokesperson Details 'Month From Hell' Inside the Agency

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