White House eyes new defence chief as second Signal leak surfaces

As internal tensions ripple through the Pentagon, sources say the search for Pete Hegseth's successor is already underway.
Text: Óscar Ontañón Docal
Published 2025-04-21

The latest news on the United States. Amid a swirl of controversy and abrupt departures, the White House has reportedly initiated efforts to replace Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, according to a US official who was not authorised to speak publicly (via NPR).

The move follows mounting concerns over his alleged misuse of encrypted messaging platforms to share sensitive military plans, including a second instance where details of planned strikes in Yemen were passed to a private group chat. You can read more here.

The incident, coupled with the sudden exodus of several senior advisers has painted a picture of growing unrest within the Department of Defence. Behind closed doors, officials appear increasingly anxious about the implications of these breaches for national security.

Pete Hegseth

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