According to the Times, Hegseth shared information that “included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets targeting the Houthis” in a “chat that included his wife, brother and personal lawyer.” The Times noted that Hegseth’s brother, Phil, holds a job at the Pentagon, as does his lawyer, Tim Parlatore. His wife, Jennifer, has recently become notable for accompanying her husband to high-profile meetings abroad.

President Trump “absolutely has confidence” in Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the White House said Monday as the Pentagon leader finds himself embroiled in a new controversy and is facing criticism from a former top spokesperson.

White House deputy press secretary Anna Kelly said that "no matter how many times the legacy media tries to resurrect the same non-story, they can't change the fact that no classified information was shared." She added "recently fired 'leakers' are continuing to misrepresent the truth to soothe their shattered egos and undermine the president's agenda, but the administration will continue to hold them accountable."