1. United States
2. N.C.
3. Letter

Pete Hegseth's actions in setting up an unsecured internet line to use Signal, a non-authorized messaging app, raise serious concerns about potential security breaches and mishandling of sensitive information. By bypassing the Pentagon's security protocols, he jeopardized the confidentiality of classified communications and may have exposed vulnerabilities that could be exploited by adversaries. This flagrant disregard for established security measures is unacceptable for someone in such a high position overseeing national defense. Hegseth's behavior erodes public trust in the leadership and integrity of the Defense Department. Posting details about a military airstrike, even if not technically classified, displayed alarmingly poor judgment that could endanger troops' lives. As Secretary of Defense, he has a solemn duty to safeguard national security information and ensure robust cybersecurity practices are followed. His actions clearly violated this responsibility. To uphold the credibility of the Defense Department and reinforce that security protocols apply to all personnel regardless of rank, decisive disciplinary action against Hegseth should be considered commensurate with the magnitude of this breach. At minimum, a thorough investigation is warranted to examine the full extent of the security lapses and potential exposure of sensitive data. Restoring accountability and adhering to proper procedures for handling classified materials must be an utmost priority.