Pentagon probes Hegseth’s use of ‘dirty’ internet line

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Associated Press
25 Apr 2025 08:42

The US defense secretary used an unsecured internet line in his Pentagon office to access the Signal app, raising alarms over military communications security and potential breaches.

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US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listens as President Donald Trump meets with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre during a bilateral meeting in the Oval Office of the White House, Thursday, April 24, 2025, in Washington. (AP)

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly had an unsecured internet connection in his Pentagon office to access the Signal messaging app on a personal computer, according to the Associated Press, citing two sources familiar with the matter.

The setup of this so-called “dirty” internet line, which bypassed Pentagon security protocols, has raised serious concerns over a potential Pentagon security breach. The revelation adds to growing scrutiny surrounding Hegseth's Signal app use, especially after reports that he shared sensitive military information in private chats.

The line, known in IT circles as a “dirty” connection, is linked directly to the public internet. Unlike the Pentagon’s secured systems, this type of connection lacks strict filters and safeguards, thereby exposing users to hacking and surveillance. While certain Pentagon offices have previously used such lines for specific tasks, their use is typically restricted due to potential national security implications and the risk of violating military communications security protocols.

A senior US official familiar with military network security told AP the key benefit of such a connection is that it allows users to avoid being traced through Department of Defense IP addresses. However, the downside includes a lack of recordkeeping compliance, which is required under federal law.

The two people with knowledge of the matter also told AP that Defense Secretary Hegseth installed the line specifically to use the Signal app. The app became a focal point of concern after it emerged that Hegseth had posted details about a classified airstrike in two chat groups—one that included top national security officials, and another that included his wife and brother.

Chief Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell declined to confirm the specifics of Hegseth’s Signal use, stating, “The Secretary has never used and does not currently use Signal on his government computer.” Parnell added that the Secretary’s communications methods are classified.

Support from Trump and senior officials

In a related vein, The New York Times reported last Sunday that Hegseth allegedly shared details about planned US airstrikes on Yemen in a private Signal group chat, which included not only Pentagon colleagues but also his wife, brother, and lawyer. The incident, which took place last month, has fueled accusations of a classified information security breach.

The private chat, according to sources, allowed Hegseth to bypass mobile network issues within his office, coordinating directly with senior officials in President Donald Trump’s administration. The Washington Post has lately noted that this decision stemmed from internal discussions about how to communicate swiftly in areas with poor connectivity.

Signal was approved for limited government use in 2023, but officials are prohibited from sharing classified information via the app, which automatically deletes messages, a practice that conflicts with record-keeping regulations.

The Hegseth communication scandal began when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed that he was accidentally added to a private Signal chat involving then-upcoming US military strikes against Yemeni territory. Goldberg said the chat included high-level officials such as Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Vice President JD Vance, and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz

Goldberg presented screenshots showing Hegseth discussing aircraft types and strike targets on March 15, just hours before operations against Yemen commenced.