Trump backs Hegseth after reports of second Signal chat on Yemen strikes

President Donald Trump has supported his defense chief amid controversy. Reports say Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth shared sensitive military information in a second Signal group chat. Trump called this issue a “waste of time.”

The reports claim Hegseth discussed planned bombing raids on Yemen. This chat included his wife, brother, and personal lawyer. The situation has raised questions about Hegseth’s leadership.

Last month, he faced scrutiny for sharing details about air strikes on Houthi rebels. An editor from The Atlantic magazine was mistakenly added to that chat.

At the White House, Trump defended Hegseth, saying, “He is doing a great job.” He also asked, “Ask the Houthis how he’s doing.”

Trump suggested that Hegseth is facing criticism from “disgruntled employees.” Several former aides have publicly criticized him, including ex-press secretary John Ullyot.

Ullyot wrote an op-ed stating the Pentagon is in “disarray” under Hegseth’s leadership. Trump responded by saying critics are just bringing up stories. He noted that Hegseth was appointed to remove bad people and may not have many friends because of it.