Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth used a “dirty line,” which refers to an unsecured internet connection, to connect to the Signal app on a personal computer in his office, multiple outlets reported.
A Pentagon spokesperson denied that Hegseth used an unsecured connection in a statement to the Associated Press and added that the “use of communications systems and channels is classified.”
“However, we can confirm that the Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer,” chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement.
Hegseth’s alleged use of the line comes after several Signal chats that may have contained classified information were revealed.
The Pentagon chief’s job has been in doubt recently. NPR published a Tuesday report titled “The White House is looking to replace Pete Hegseth as defense secretary,” detailing that Hegseth’s job may be in danger after it was revealed that he shared classified information in a group chat with his wife, brother and lawyer.
The report prompted a strong denial from the White House.
“This @NPR story is total FAKE NEWS based on one anonymous source who clearly has no idea what they are talking about. As the President said this morning, he stands strongly behind @SecDef,” Karoline Leavitt said in a post on X.
Hegseth setting up an unsecured line to his office may bolster cries to oust him over his handling of classified information. While other Pentagon offices use unsecure lines, it exposes the user to hacking and surveillance.
The defense secretary initially went to the back of his office, where he could access Wi-Fi to use his personal devices, the Associated Press reported. He later requested a line at his desk so he could use his own computer there. That computer was located next to one used for classified material and another for sensitive defense information. Staff are instructed to leave personal devices outside the secretary’s office to avoid possible exposure of sensitive data.
The Pentagon’s acting inspector general announced earlier this month that he would review Hegseth’s disclosure of strikes in Yemen on Signal.
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Hegseth also drew fire this week for reportedly ordering a makeup studio to be installed next to the Pentagon press briefing room. He denied the report and said the “news media” would have liked if he installed “tampon machines in every men’s bathroom at DoD instead.”
The Washington Examiner reached out to the Pentagon, but did not receive a response.
