OPINION:
Nothing in “Pentagon IG to probe Hegseth’s use of Signal to discuss anti-Houthi operations in Yemen” (Web, April 3) indicates that any investigation is being conducted into the actions of Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, who described the use of messaging app Signal to discuss classified war plans. The Atlantic, believing this information was classified, at least to some degree, ran excerpts and actual transcripts to prove the discussions had been on Signal.
We have two very divergent positions here: Very senior U.S. government officials are saying nothing was classified, while a civilian reporter published excerpts he says were classified. Who gets investigated? The government officials, of course.
Why is there no action being taken against the self-described leaker of the classified material and/or his publication? Probably because the material was not, in fact, classified — this is simply a matter of some U.S. senators trying to get Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired.
Do all U.S. government inspector general offices announce upcoming inspections? Do they provide copies of these announcements to the media? Wouldn’t this type of action fall within a standard Freedom of Information Act request exemption? Why is Hegseth being investigated when it was President Trump’s national security adviser who set up the chat on Signal and invited all the participants (including it seems, a member of the media)?
Let’s ensure we investigate the right people and institutions — and not try to sway the results by announcing and carrying out the investigation in the media.
JAMES KOUT
Bowie, Maryland
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