The Pentagon denies media accusations regarding confidential information disclosed by Hegset in the Signal Messenger
In response to widespread media reports about a potential leak of secret data from the Pentagon, official representatives of the U.S. Department of Defense issued a statement questioning the credibility of such claims and emphasizing that any information related to national security is kept under strict protection. According to Pentagon spokesperson Shawn Parnelle, the media’s assumptions that the country's Defense Secretary, Pіт Hegset, allegedly personally disclosed classified information in a Signal chat, where he communicated with family members and close contacts, are "fabrications" and untrue. "The information presented in the media is based solely on the words of individuals dismissed this week and is an attempt to sabotage the work of the Secretary and the President politically," Parnelle stated. He stressed that, according to official sources, all discussions in the Signal messenger contain no secret information. "This story is an attempt to create artificial panic and harm the reputation of the Defense Secretary. In reality, there was nothing in the chats that could threaten security or national interests," Parnelle emphasized. At the same time, he confirmed that the work of the Department of Defense continues in an intensified mode and remains effective, regardless of political attacks and informational provocations. According to the Pentagon representative, as part of an internal investigation initiated regarding the leak of information, personnel changes have already taken place. Specifically, several high-ranking officials have been dismissed, including the chief of staff for the Deputy Secretary of Defense, Colin Carroll; the senior advisor to Hegset, known as Denny Caldwell; and Deputy Defense Chief of Staff Daren Selnik. Additionally, the head of the Secretary of Defense’s staff, Joe Kasper, has been dismissed and is now being prepared for appointment to another senior position. These personnel changes are essentially part of a broader internal crackdown aimed at strengthening the security system and increasing transparency within the military department. At the same time, U.S. authorities emphasize that the issue of the leaked secret data remains under careful control, and all possible violations will be thoroughly investigated. This situation highlights the complex balance between the necessity of safeguarding government and military secrets and the political pressure that generates a flood of unverified news. Such unconfirmed reports can escalate tensions and destabilize the situation both domestically within the U.S. and internationally. In any case, the official stance of the Pentagon remains unchanged — any claims of leaks must be confirmed through specialized investigations, and the public and media should exercise caution and rely only on verified information.