Pete Hegseth, the Defense Secretary, is once again embroiled in a significant security breach, this time linked to a second Signal group chat. The New York Times revealed over the weekend that Hegseth used the app to share sensitive information on Yemen strikes with family members. Signal, an end-to-end encrypted messaging app, is popular among journalists and dissidents for its robust privacy features. However, its use by government officials, especially for sharing classified or sensitive information, is strictly regulated. Government employees are mandated to use secure, government-approved channels to ensure accountability and protect national security. In the newly reported chat, labeled “Defense | Team Huddle,” Hegseth used his personal phone to share flight schedules of F/A-18 Hornets involved in targeting the Houthis in Yemen. While the chat was primarily intended for administrative and routine scheduling, it occasionally delved into more sensitive topics, raising concerns about potential leaks. Despite official denials from the U.S. government that any classified information was shared, national defense experts remain skeptical. The Defense Department recently terminated two senior advisers for leaking information, both of whom were members of Hegseth’s group chat. The White House has repeatedly dismissed the story, emphasizing that no classified information was compromised. Anna Kelly, a White House spokesperson, told the Times, “No matter how many times the legacy media tries to resurrect the same nonstory, they can’t change the fact that no classified information was shared.” Elon Musk, through his DOGE platform, has also been facilitating broad and controversial actions in government agencies. DOGE's data collection methods, which include addresses and tax filings, are being integrated into a Palantir-backed API, raising fears about the potential for a new police state. Critics worry that this data could be used to identify and deport migrants who are critical of the administration, among other concerns. The lack of accountability measures, compounded by the use of anonymous accounts and wiped logs, exacerbates these fears. Normally, the threat of accountability restrains officials from taking drastic and potentially harmful actions. However, the current administration's preference for encrypted, off-the-record communications has eroded these safeguards. The extent of these cloaked communications is unknown, leaving many to wonder how many other undisclosed group chats exist. The Defense Secretary's repeated mishandling of secure information, whether due to incompetence or more nefarious intentions, has further eroded public trust. This latest incident underscores the need for stringent oversight and adherence to established security protocols. The potential risks of using personal communication channels for official business are too significant to ignore, especially when lives are at stake. As the administration continues to downplay these concerns, the question remains: How can the public and national security experts trust that sensitive operations are being handled with the necessary caution and integrity?