Rep. Moulton Questions Secretary Hegseth on Classified Texts and Military Operations

Inquiry into Classified Information on Signal

• 🎯 Rep. Seth Moulton questioned Secretary Pete Hegseth regarding texts sent on an unclassified Signal chat concerning a military operation.
• ❓ The core of the inquiry focused on whether a launch time for F-18s against the Houthis was shared via an unclassified system.
• ⚠️ Moulton pressed Hegseth on whether this information originated from Central Command and its classification status.

Classification and Accountability

• 🔒 Hegseth stated that any communication from the Secretary of Defense regarding an ongoing operation is classified by default.
• 📜 DoD regulations require classified information on classified systems to be marked with its classification level.
• 🤔 Moulton argued that Hegseth's inability to disclose the classification marking implies the information was indeed classified.
• ⚖️ A key point of contention was whether Hegseth would take accountability if the DoD Inspector General found the information to be classified.

Operational Success and Costs

• 🚀 Hegseth emphasized the success of the mission against the Houthis.
• 💰 Moulton inquired about the cost of the operation in terms of missiles fired, suggesting it could be hundreds of millions to a billion dollars.
• 🚢 The Congressman also questioned the number of US-flagged commercial ships that have transited the Red Sea since the operation, implying continued insecurity.

Personnel and Leadership

• ❓ Moulton asked about the number of generals and admirals fired by Hegseth, noting it was eight.
• 🗣️ When asked to explain the reasons for these firings, Hegseth stated they serve at the pleasure of the president and that the goal is better representation.
• 🤷‍♂️ Moulton concluded that Hegseth could not explain the specific reasons for firing any of the officers.