WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), a former U.S. Navy combat pilot, has called for Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to resign following reports that he used an unsecured messaging app to discuss military operations.
The call comes after The Atlantic released screenshots allegedly showing Hegseth texting detailed plans for strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen on an unencrypted platform.
Kelly, who opposed Hegseth’s confirmation earlier this year, said the incident underscores his concerns about the secretary’s qualifications.
“Two months ago, on the day of Secretary Hegseth’s confirmation vote, I asked my colleagues if it was worth the risk to our servicemembers and our national security to confirm the most unprepared nominee for this job we’ve ever seen,” Kelly said in a statement. “This is what happens when you put unqualified people in important jobs where lives are on the line.”
While the breach reportedly did not result in casualties, Kelly emphasized that it represents a major security lapse and a failure in leadership.
“For the safety of our servicemembers and our country, Secretary Hegseth needs to resign,” he added.
Hegseth, a former television commentator and Army veteran, faced scrutiny during his January confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee. Kelly questioned him about allegations of professional misconduct, including claims that he had appeared intoxicated in work settings.
“I walked into this hearing this morning concerned that you haven’t demonstrated adequate leadership in your civilian roles—and in a dangerous world, America cannot afford a Secretary of Defense who is unprepared for the mission,” Kelly said at the time. “I am going to leave with concerns about your transparency.”
During the Senate floor debate before Hegseth’s confirmation vote, Kelly warned that his appointment posed a risk to national security. “Are you sure that you trust him with this job?” Kelly asked his colleagues. “Are you sure there isn’t another individual the president could choose who could pursue the same goals but is better prepared to do this job?”
Despite these concerns, the Senate confirmed Hegseth, with support largely along party lines.
The revelation of Hegseth’s unsecured communications has sparked renewed debate over his leadership at the Pentagon. While Hegseth has not publicly responded to Kelly’s call for his resignation, the incident is likely to intensify scrutiny from lawmakers and national security officials.
It remains unclear whether additional investigations or congressional hearings will follow.
