Pete Hegseth must resign

It's now being called "Signalgate."

As first reported Tuesday in The Atlantic, high-ranking members of the Trump regime discussed military operations — before they had been carried out — using a popular messaging app, Signal, that could have been accessed by anyone able to compromise their phones. And they somehow included the editor-in-chief of one of the country's oldest magazines in their group chat.

Since the story first broke, some of these officials — in response to questions from journalists and even members of Congress — have tried to downplay their stupidity, hubris, and irresponsibility.

• What is beyond doubt is that they shared highly sensitive military information via an unauthorized app — apparently using their personal phones in at least some cases.

• And it is inarguably true that revealing details of an imminent military operation jeopardizes the lives of American military and intelligence personnel.

• Furthermore, these officials revealed that they may be habitually — and intentionally — using unauthorized communications systems specifically to avoid accountability and legal requirements for retention of records.

Here are some of the high-level Trump officials involved:
JD Vance, Vice President of the United States
Marco Rubio, Secretary of State
Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense
Tulsi Gabbard, Director of National Intelligence
Scott Bessent, Treasury Secretary
John Ratcliffe, CIA Director
Michael Waltz, National Security Advisor
Susie Wiles, White House Chief of Staff
Stephen Miller, Homeland Security Advisor and White House Deputy Chief of Staff

Better people would acknowledge their mistakes and pledge never to repeat them. And those most responsible would resign.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth — to the surprise of, um, nobody — has been particularly snide in his attempts to deny any wrongdoing. And rather than accept responsibility, Hegseth has attacked The Atlantic's editor.

Multiple experts — including many members of Congress, some of whom are themselves veterans — are calling for Pete Hegseth to resign. (It has been noted that Hegseth would have resigned already if he had any honor, which appears to be a scarce commodity among those in the Trump regime).

To Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth:

You have betrayed the people who serve under your so-called leadership and you have betrayed your duty to the American people. Do the honorable thing. Resign now.

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