In this explosive episode of The Opinions, columnist David French dissects the shocking security breach involving Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and other high-ranking officials. The Trump administration reportedly discussed sensitive military operations in a Signal group chat—an app the Pentagon itself warns against using for official business. The blunder was exposed when journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally invited to this highly confidential conversation, revealing details about planned strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. While the White House downplays the leak, French argues that in any normal military or government setting, this would result in immediate suspension and possibly criminal charges. "Nothing destroys a leader’s credibility with soldiers more thoroughly than hypocrisy or double standards," French warns, emphasizing that unchecked political loyalty could erode the professionalism of the U.S. military. With national security on the line, the question remains—will Hegseth be held accountable, or will politics once again trump principles?

Key Points:

• Security Breach: Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and high-ranking officials allegedly discussed classified military operations in a Signal group chat.
• Jeffrey Goldberg’s Accidental Access: The Atlantic editor-in-chief was mistakenly invited to the chat, revealing attack plans against Houthi targets.
• Severe National Security Risk: Sharing attack details could have allowed the Houthis to move high-value targets or even launch preemptive strikes.
• White House Downplays Incident: The administration insists no classified information was leaked, dismissing concerns raised by national security experts.
• David French’s Take: French argues this level of negligence, in a military context, would result in immediate suspension and potential criminal charges.
• Larger Implications: French warns that prioritizing political loyalty over military professionalism weakens the armed forces, likening it to how authoritarian regimes operate.
• Call for Investigation: Experts demand a DOJ inquiry into the extent of the breach and why Signal was being used for official defense communications.
• Hegseth’s Response: Rather than acknowledging the mistake, Hegseth attacked Goldberg, further deflecting responsibility.
• Will There Be Consequences? Despite the severity of the incident, there is no indication that Hegseth or others involved will step down or face serious repercussions.

The big takeaway? If the Pentagon warns against using Signal and an alleged slip-up exposes attack plans, shouldn’t someone be held accountable before it’s too late? Let us know what you think!
Link to Article