Adviser to Hegseth Says Watchdog Report Over ‘Signalgate’ Clears Him

A senior adviser to Hegseth says the forthcoming Pentagon inspector general report on the so-called “Signalgate” matter does not conclude that Hegseth shared classified information while texting about planned strikes against Houthi targets — and instead is expected to fault improper cellphone practices by former Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

Navy Reserve Commander Tim Parlatore, an attorney and adviser to Hegseth, told Just the News, No Noise on Wednesday that the report by Pentagon inspector general Steven Stebbins — which has been sent to Congress and is expected to be released publicly on Thursday — “totally exonerates” Hegseth.

Parlatore also said the report details broader reliance on the Signal messaging app among national security officials during the Biden administration, the outlet reported.