Senate Republicans are reportedly expressing regret over the confirmation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth following a damaging leak of military information now dubbed “Signalgate.” The controversy, first reported by The Atlantic, revealed that Hegseth shared secret war plans in a Signal messaging chat that included a journalist—an error that has shaken confidence in his leadership.
Jake Sherman of Punchbowl News appeared on MSNBC Wednesday to discuss the fallout, noting that even key Republican allies are now distancing themselves from the embattled Defense Secretary.
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“It’s important to remember that Roger Wicker’s support was critical, absolutely critical to getting Pete Hegseth across the finish line as defense secretary,” Sherman said, referencing the Mississippi senator and chair of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “It was very tense and very tenuous at times.”
Wicker, according to Sherman, has since voiced concern over the leaked discussions, which included classified details about U.S. military strikes targeting Houthi forces in Yemen.
Sherman explained, “Interestingly, Wicker and Hegseth have had a series of disagreements over the last couple of weeks. We wrote about this this morning. And, it seems to me that there might be a case — or there’s a potential for a case of buyer’s remorse because they’ve just split on a whole host of issues. What is he looking for? He’s looking for a probe.”
The bipartisan concern is growing. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the committee’s top Democrat, is reportedly standing with Wicker in pushing for further investigation into the communications breach. Sherman also pointed to broader unease among lawmakers and White House officials.
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“There are just a ton of people at the White House and up here,” he said, referring to Capitol Hill, “who say privately that the spin you’re hearing publicly is just embarrassing. That this is a mistake. It was stupid. They shouldn’t be chatting on Signal about war maneuvers, whatever you want to call them. Attack plans, war plans, whatever you want to call them, on Signal, on cell phones.”
The revelation has not only raised questions about operational security but has also reignited political friction between Republicans and the Trump administration, casting a shadow over Hegseth’s tenure just months into his leadership.
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