Signalgate IG Report is Heartening and Troubling
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Statement by Mark Lee Greenblatt on the Signalgate Report from the U.S Department of Defense
Bethesda, MD, December 4, 2025 – As someone who spent decades investigating misconduct and safeguarding the integrity of government operations, I find today’s “Signalgate” report from the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General both troubling and heartening.
It is heartening because it took real courage to issue such a report at a time when the White House has worked to eviscerate the IG community. Yet the DOD OIG still carried out fair, objective, and independent oversight without fear or favor. That’s the core mission of every inspector general, and the DOD OIG team deserves tremendous credit for the speed and professionalism of their work.
But the findings in the report are deeply troubling. I have had favorable interactions with Secretary Hegseth in the past, and of course I respect his service to our country. I have to believe that he cares about our troops and their safety. But at the same time, the report takes us to the inescapable conclusion that he should not have used an insecure app on his personal phone to text highly sensitive military operational details just hours before an operation.
This report is yet another good example of how IGs add real value for the American people, and I hope it will lead to meaningful corrective action. Oversight works only when its findings drive change. The American people, and particularly our men and women in the military, deserve confidence that those entrusted with the nation’s most sensitive responsibilities are following the safeguards designed to protect us all.
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