Another High-Ranking Republican Raises Alarm Over Defense Secretary’s Messaging Missteps
In a bold move Monday, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.)—a decorated Air Force veteran and respected voice on national security—became the first House Republican to publicly urge President Trump to consider replacing Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
At the heart of the controversy: reports that Hegseth allegedly disclosed sensitive military details over an unsecured messaging app.
“From the start, I had concerns about his experience level,” Bacon told Politico. “He’s a solid patriot and great on Fox News, but the Pentagon isn’t a TV studio—it’s the command hub of the world’s strongest military.”
Hegseth Accused of Sharing Details on Military Strike
According to a New York Times investigation, Hegseth reportedly shared information regarding a March 15 strike on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen through a private Signal chat group that included his wife, brother, and personal attorney.
This leak follows a similar report just weeks ago, where left-wing media figure Jeffrey Goldberg was allegedly part of another Signal thread discussing classified-level plans. That thread also included top Trump allies such as Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and Senior White House Adviser Stephen Miller.
Bacon: “If True, It’s Totally Unacceptable”
“If the Secretary of Defense is casually chatting with his family about mission details, that’s beyond inappropriate,” Bacon warned.
He didn’t stop there:
“Look, I’m not running the White House,” Bacon said, “but if I were, this kind of conduct wouldn’t fly. We’re talking about national security. Period.”
Trump Administration Stands Firm Behind Hegseth
Despite the criticism, President Trump made it crystal clear at the White House Easter Egg Roll that Hegseth’s job is not in jeopardy.
“He’s doing a great job,” Trump said. “Ask the Houthis how he’s doing.”
Hegseth, never one to back down, fired back at the media circus:
“This is what they always do—anonymous leaks from bitter ex-staffers and clickbait headlines from the same media that lied about Russia for years,” he told reporters.
Security Experts Warn About Foreign Spying Risks
Bacon emphasized the danger of digital surveillance:
“China and Russia have thousands of people monitoring top-level communications. Besides the president himself, the Secretary of Defense is their biggest target,” he said. “Using unsecured apps? That’s amateur behavior. It’s dangerous.”
The Pentagon denied any classified information was shared, but concerns remain.
White House Dismisses Rumors of Replacement Search
An NPR report claimed the administration was quietly searching for a new defense chief—but the White House flatly denied the story, calling it “total fiction.”
Nebraska Battleground: Bacon Walks a Fine Line
Bacon’s district—Nebraska’s 2nd—was one of the few carried by Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. The congressman narrowly held the seat by less than two points last November.
While critical of Trump’s Ukraine stance, Bacon has been a consistent advocate for military accountability and strong national defense.
BOTTOM LINE:
While controversy swirls in Washington, the Trump administration is focused on results over headlines. And despite elite media attacks, Pete Hegseth remains a key player in an administration committed to putting America first—both at home and on the battlefield.