Veterans are standing firm behind President Trump and his cabinet.
Washington, D.C. — A leading veterans advocacy group is once again standing firmly behind Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, following widespread media speculation over a so-called “Signal chat controversy” involving U.S. military operations in the Middle East.
Amid swirling headlines, President Trump’s administration remains united in its support of Secretary Hegseth, now facing scrutiny over alleged use of a secure messaging app, Signal, to discuss airstrikes on Iranian-backed Houthi terrorists in Yemen.
But the real story, according to Hegseth and his allies, is the deep-state resistance to meaningful Pentagon reform—and a media desperate to discredit those leading that charge.
White House Backs Hegseth as Veterans Group Speaks Out
For the second day in a row, the White House has defended Hegseth, reaffirming his role in restoring integrity and effectiveness at the Department of Defense.
Hegseth clarified in a statement that the Signal app was used for “informal, unclassified coordination” with close family and legal counsel. He also confirmed that a broader internal investigation into Pentagon leaks is ongoing.
Shortly after the story broke, Politico published a report suggesting that Veteran Action, a group known for its unwavering support of Hegseth, had “gone silent.”
But within hours, the group responded boldly.
“Do you have @PeteHegseth’s back?” the group posted on X (formerly Twitter). “Tell Congress to support @SecDef’s efforts to reform the Pentagon.”
They included a direct call-to-action link where supporters can easily contact lawmakers—an effective grassroots tool that shows the group remains fully engaged.
Was There Really a Controversy? Veteran Leader Says No
Critics pointed to the recent dismissal of two Veteran Action allies from Pentagon roles as a sign of retreat. But group founder Mark Lucas called that narrative misleading and politically motivated.
Lucas told Politico the group’s recent pause in activity was due to an Easter break, not any change in stance.
“‘Signalgate’ is a hoax,” Lucas said. “All of this media noise is proof that Pete is actually getting results and disrupting the status quo inside the Pentagon.”
Lucas—a key figure in Hegseth’s confirmation and a longtime conservative advocate—was a major part of the Article III Project, which helped secure key constitutionalist judicial appointments under President Trump.
Insider Sources Say Support Remains Strong
According to a source familiar with the situation, Lucas’s influence inside and outside the Pentagon remains vital.
“Regardless of who’s in the building, someone like Mark Lucas is critical to the mission. If anything, this proves his role is more important than ever.”
And while the media latched onto a leaked detail about a March 13 chat—where an editor from The Atlantic was accidentally looped into a private national security conversation—the core issue remains: reforming the Pentagon and protecting American interests abroad.
Bottom Line: Veterans and Patriots Stand with Hegseth
Despite the noise from legacy media outlets, Hegseth’s mission is clear—root out internal leaks, hold bureaucrats accountable, and restore strength to America’s military command.
Under the leadership of President Trump and a reform-minded Pentagon chief, the focus remains on defeating foreign threats like Iranian-backed Houthi insurgents, not political theater.
As grassroots support builds, one thing is clear: patriots aren’t backing down, and neither is Pete Hegseth.