Prominent role of Pete Hegseth's wife at Pentagon draws scrutiny

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: CNN Politics

Updated 6:23 AM EDT, Wed April 23, 2025


CNN — News over the weekend that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s wife Jennifer was included in a second group chat where he shared sensitive military operations details has focused attention on the prominent role she has occupied at the Pentagon without being formally employed during her husband’s short tenure running the US military.

Jennifer Hegseth has been a constant presence in her husband’s inner circle from even before he was confirmed to the Cabinet job. Her involvement thrust her back into the spotlight over the weekend, when it was reported that she was in a Signal group chat with her husband, his brother, and his lawyer, in which the secretary disclosed sensitive information about military operations against the Houthis. While Hegseth’s brother Phil and his lawyer Tim Parlatore have official positions within the Defense Department, Jennifer Hegseth does not.

A source familiar with the situation told CNN Jennifer Hegseth submitted paperwork for a security clearance, but it was unclear if she received one. When asked by CNN if Jennifer Hegseth has a clearance, a spokesperson said the department does not discuss security clearances for any individual. Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson, however, added that Jennifer Hegseth has “never attended a meeting where sensitive information or classified information was discussed.”

Multiple sources told CNN that as Hegseth has grown increasingly paranoid about the potential of leaks to the media within the Pentagon and has begun largely depending on a small circle for counsel, including his wife.CNN previously reported that the group chat that included Jennifer Hegseth was originally created to strategize during his confirmation process, but that it continued being used after he was confirmed.

Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2025/04/23/politics/role-of-pete-hegseth-wife-draws-scrutiny/index.html

[Marcuse]

1. In her defense, she has to keep an eye on him. Speaker Mike's app won't do.

[TomSlick]

2. Hegseth's wife just needs to keep an eye on him.

Years ago, there was a local lawyer that got caught with his pants down in the company of a woman not his wife. Thereafter, his wife went with him to all depositions, court appearances, etc.

Hegseth's wife is following the same policy. She has to make sure he is not drinking at work. If that means she has to sit in on classified meetings, that's just the price to be paid.

[travelingthrulife]

5. Yes, that Easter Egg Roll meltdown by Hegseth showed the whole family

begin to get uncomfortable and they started to surround him as he was yelling at the press. It was easy to see they have done this many times.

[pfitz59]

3. Adulteress and adulterer who were made for each other.

Just what we need in positions of power.

[travelingthrulife]

4. Why do his brother and his lawyer have positions at the Pentagon?

They plan to focus on his wife so they can beat up on women a little more.