Rep. Chrissy Houlahan Calls for Hegseth’s Removal Over Signal Chat Scandal

The political and national security fallout surrounding Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has intensified in recent days after he appeared to share sensitive military information in a Signal group chat, inadvertently including a prominent journalist. Representative Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), a former U.S. Air Force officer with extensive experience in handling classified information, has now called for Hegseth’s immediate removal from office, even suggesting that the breach was “absolutely impeachable.”

In a heated interview on NewsNation’s “The Hill” on Wednesday, Houlahan voiced her concerns about the grave nature of the situation, arguing that any official in charge of national defense should be fully aware of the rules surrounding classified material. She did not mince words when discussing the breach and its implications for national security, as well as for the integrity of the Department of Defense.

Houlahan’s comments have escalated calls from several lawmakers and national security experts for a full investigation into the matter.

The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Hegseth had participated in a Signal group chat with other senior national security officials, discussing plans for an attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen. The group chat was meant to be private, but it inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who had no business being part of the conversation.

Goldberg later confirmed that the information shared in the chat was highly sensitive, containing details about the timing and nature of the planned military strike.

While the information shared may not have been classified in a technical sense, the nature of the conversation has raised significant concerns about the handling of military operations and national security protocols within the Trump administration. In the days following the revelation, the media erupted in a storm of questions and concerns about the breach, with many asking why such sensitive information was being discussed on a commercial app like Signal.

For Houlahan, the breach is not just a matter of poor judgment but a significant failure of responsibility on the part of a top official responsible for safeguarding the nation’s security. As a former officer in the U.S. Air Force who has worked with classified material throughout her career, she knows firsthand how dangerous such leaks can be.

“We’re talking about literally classified information. The release of classified information in a nonsecure environment is an absolutely impeachable — literally — offense,” Houlahan said during her appearance on The Hill.

“He ought to be resigning. That’s what a decent, moral person who understands the rules would be doing.”

Her words echoed the growing chorus of critics calling for accountability in the aftermath of the Signal chat leak. For Houlahan, the breach represents a clear violation of the oath of office that all government officials take to protect classified information and the interests of the American people.

The controversy surrounding Hegseth has continued to escalate. Following the initial report about the chat leak, Goldberg released a second explosive story that included full screenshots of the group chat messages.

These screenshots detailed the timing, location, and weapons used in the planned attack on the Houthi rebels, which many experts believe constitutes classified information that should never have been shared outside of secure government channels.

Despite Hegseth’s insistence that no “war plans” were shared in the chat, many in Washington are skeptical. Senate Armed Services Committee Chair Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) told reporters that, regardless of how the information was described, it was sensitive enough to warrant classification.

“The information as published recently appears to me to be of such a sensitive nature that, based on my knowledge, I would have wanted it classified,” Wicker said at the Capitol.

Houlahan has argued that this breach is more than just an error in judgment—it is a serious national security violation that demands a swift response. She stressed that if Hegseth does not resign, he should be removed from office for compromising national security.

“I think he should be removed from office. And I believe President Trump knows that,” Houlahan said, reiterating her stance on the matter. Her comments have prompted further calls for a full investigation and potentially even legal action against the officials involved in the breach.

In addition to calling for Hegseth’s resignation or removal, Houlahan has also suggested that this incident could serve as a broader lesson for how sensitive information is handled within the federal government. In the wake of the leak, she sent a letter to government officials, including members of Congress, urging them to undergo further training in handling classified and sensitive materials.

Houlahan’s proposal aims to ensure that similar breaches do not occur in the future and that government employees at all levels understand the importance of protecting classified information.

“It is clear to me that this breach was not just a simple mistake—it’s indicative of a larger problem,” Houlahan said. “Members of Congress, and certainly those in positions of power like Hegseth, should have been properly trained to handle sensitive material. This isn’t just about one person—it’s about the system as a whole and making sure that everyone understands what’s at stake.”

Her call for training has gained traction among those who believe that similar breaches have happened before in other parts of the government. Houlahan’s experience in military service gives her a unique perspective on the importance of protecting sensitive data, and her suggestions could lead to systemic changes in how classified information is handled across all branches of government.

While Houlahan’s calls for accountability have largely been echoed by Democrats and national security experts, the breach could have significant implications for the Republican Party. As one of the top defense officials in the Trump administration, Hegseth’s actions reflect not just on him personally but also on the leadership of the Republican Party, particularly as it continues to grapple with issues of credibility and trust.

For the GOP, the scandal presents a test of leadership. If Hegseth remains in office despite the calls for his resignation, it could be seen as an indication that the party is unwilling to hold its members accountable for serious breaches of protocol.

This could be damaging to the party’s reputation, especially among voters who prioritize national security and trust in government institutions.

Moreover, the ongoing scrutiny of Hegseth’s handling of sensitive information could provide ammunition for Democrats in the upcoming elections. The timing of the breach, coming in the midst of heightened concerns about security and government transparency, may play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative for the 2024 election cycle.

“The Republican Party must make a choice,” said one Democratic strategist. “Do they stand by their leaders, even when they’ve made a serious mistake? Or do they take this opportunity to show that they value the safety and security of the country above all else?”

As the controversy continues to unfold, questions remain about what will happen to the officials involved in the leak, including Hegseth. While the calls for his resignation are mounting, it remains unclear whether President Trump will take action to remove him from office.

Trump has yet to comment directly on the situation, though his advisors have suggested that the president is unlikely to take drastic measures unless further evidence emerges that the breach was intentional or particularly damaging.

Houlahan’s calls for a thorough investigation could set the stage for a deeper examination of how sensitive information is shared within the administration, and whether any changes are needed to prevent future breaches. While the outcome of the investigation is still unknown, one thing is certain: the Signal chat scandal has already had significant political repercussions, and it may continue to shape the discourse in Washington for months to come.