The Hegseth Signal Messages: What’s Publicly Confirmed So Far

WASHINGTON — December 3, 2025 Public discussion has grown around former Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Pete Hegseth after news reports surfaced claiming he used the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive topics while serving in the federal government. We reviewed all publicly available first-hand sources to determine what can be confirmed at this time and what remains unverified.

From official statements available to the public, Hegseth and current VA officials have publicly denied using Signal for any unlawful or improper purpose, and none of the first-hand statements released so far indicate that he shared classified information through the platform. These denials are matters of public record, and they form the only confirmed statements directly from involved parties.

What is also publicly confirmable is that federal agencies maintain clear policies stating that classified or sensitive operational information must not be shared through personal devices or non-approved applications. This general rule applies to all departments and administrations. At this stage, however, there is no publicly released first-hand documentation stating that Hegseth violated those rules.

We reviewed all first-hand sources currently available — including official agency statements, direct quotes from involved personnel, public releases, and public testimony — and none of them show that an inspector general report has been released. Because no report is available publicly, there is no verified first-hand record describing findings, conclusions, or disciplinary recommendations regarding the allegations.

Secondary reporting has suggested potential concerns raised inside the government, but we could not confirm those claims through first-hand evidence. Until an official report is made public by a first-hand source such as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, or an Office of Inspector General, the details remain unverified.

Based on the evidence currently available directly from first-hand public sources, this situation remains not confirmable in either direction. We cannot confirm wrongdoing, and we cannot confirm exoneration beyond the denials already issued by Hegseth and VA officials. If or when an official inspector general report is released, it will provide the first authoritative clarification of the facts.

This article will be updated if new first-hand documentation becomes available.

The Appalachian Post is an independent West Virginia news outlet dedicated to clean, verified, first-hand reporting. We do not publish rumors. We do not run speculation. Every fact we present must be supported by original documentation, official statements, or direct evidence. When secondary sources are used, we clearly identify them and never treat them as first-hand confirmation. We avoid loaded language, emotional framing, or accusatory wording, and we do not attack individuals, organizations, or other news outlets. Our role is to report only what can be verified through first-hand sources and allow readers to form their own interpretations. If we cannot confirm a claim using original evidence, we state clearly that we reviewed first-hand sources and could not find documentation confirming it. Our commitment is simple: honest reporting, transparent sourcing, and zero speculation.

Primary First-Hand Sources

• DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS — Public statements and official communications denying improper use of Signal by Pete Hegseth.
• FORMER SECRETARY PETE HEGSETH — Public denials of using Signal for unlawful purposes.

Secondary Attribution-Based Sources

• Associated Press
• WDTV