Pentagon Incident: Hegseth's Use of Signal on Compromised Internet Connection

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly employed the Signal messaging application on a personal computer within his office. This device was linked to a commercial internet line lacking security, commonly referred to as a 'dirty line,' according to two sources who spoke to ABC News on Thursday.

The term 'dirty line' describes an internet connection that allows access to sites typically restricted on the Pentagon's standard unclassified or classified networks.

Sources revealed that this unsecured connection was installed at Hegseth's office upon his request, specifically to facilitate his use of the Signal app on a personal computer.

Unlike the Pentagon's protected unclassified system, a commercial line lacks firewall defenses, making it vulnerable to surveillance, especially if sensitive conversations occur.

Public reaction was fueled further when the story first broke through an Associated Press report.

When queried about this internet setup, the Department of Defense directed inquiries to a previous statement by Sean Parnell, the Pentagon's chief spokesperson.

Sean Parnell stated, "The communication methods utilized by the Secretary of Defense are confidential. Nonetheless, we affirm that the Secretary neither has used nor currently uses Signal on any government-issued device."

Controversy over Shared Information

Hegseth faced accusations of sharing classified plans regarding impending U.S. military actions against Houthi members in Yemen via a Signal chat. He refuted these claims on Tuesday, alleging that former staff members leaked the information to disrupt Trump's policy initiatives.

He and other officials have maintained that the previously shared airstrike details in a group chat arranged by national security adviser Mike Waltz were not classified.

Hegseth defended this during a televised discussion, emphasizing that what he labeled as informal coordination on military media strategy was not classified data.

People familiar with the Signal group told ABC News that Hegseth established this network, including his wife, brother, and a personal attorney, during his Senate confirmation period.