Hegseth Under Fire: War-Crimes Allegations and Intelligence Mishandling Rock Defence Secretary

Hegseth Faces Dual Crises at the Pentagon

Pete Hegseth, the U.S. defence secretary, is confronting the most serious crisis of his tenure amid two interlocking controversies: allegations that Caribbean strikes amounted to unlawful attacks and an inspector general finding that he mishandled sensitive military information by sharing operational details over the Signal messaging app before airstrikes in Yemen.

Despite mounting criticism and renewed Democratic calls for his removal, Hegseth has not resigned and continues to receive public backing from President Donald Trump. Lawmakers, former officials and policy experts say the two episodes together raise troubling questions about decision-making and oversight at the Pentagon’s highest levels.

Allegations Over Caribbean Strikes

Democratic legislators and human rights advocates renewed demands for accountability after reporting that survivors clinging to wreckage after a September boat strike were allegedly killed in a so‑called “double‑tap” attack. The Caribbean operations, which have been linked to more than 80 deaths, are under intense international‑law scrutiny.

“If you’re working for a designated terrorist organization and you bring drugs to this country in a boat, we will find you and we will sink you,” Hegseth said at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. “President Trump can and will take decisive military action as he sees fit to defend our nation’s interests.”

Inspector General Report And Signal Messages

A Defence Department investigation released on Thursday concluded Hegseth violated Pentagon policies by sharing sensitive operational details via Signal hours before U.S. strikes in Yemen. The inspector general’s findings prompted concerns about whether classified information was handled properly and whether standard safeguards were observed.

Political And Media Fallout

Beyond the Pentagon, critics have highlighted a broader shift in access to government facilities and coverage. Media experts warn that Pentagon press credentials, once predominantly held by mainstream outlets, are increasingly being used by right‑wing commentators and allies of the administration after many traditional reporters relinquished passes in October.

Separately, President Trump and senior aides have escalated hostile rhetoric toward immigrants following the naming of an Afghan suspect in a Washington, D.C., shooting that wounded two National Guard members. Critics described the president’s comments about Afghan and Somali migrants as dehumanising and alarmingly inflammatory.

Other Notable Developments

• West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey said National Guard soldier Andrew Wolfe, 24, is slowly recovering after being shot in the head during the 26 November attack in Washington, D.C., which killed a fellow guard member.
• President Trump presented medals to the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees in the Oval Office — including George Strait, Michael Crawford, Sylvester Stallone and members of Kiss — after replacing the centre’s board with supporters.
• Senator Patty Murray condemned an alleged ICE dog attack that she said left a constituent, Wilmer Toledo‑Martinez, with horrific injuries during detention in November.
• The administration said it will waive an $11 million fine on Southwest Airlines as part of a $140 million settlement related to the carrier’s December 2022 operational meltdown.
• Former U.S. Senator Bob Menendez was barred from seeking or holding public office in New Jersey after his federal corruption conviction.
• Public‑health advisers’ recent debate and a recommendation change on the hepatitis B vaccine has prompted renewed scrutiny and concern about the childhood immunisation schedule.
• A federal judge in California questioned the federal government’s rationale for retaining command of National Guard troops it deployed to Los Angeles earlier this year.

Catching up? Here’s what happened on 5 December 2025.