Hegseth launches Pentagon crackdown on media leaks
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on July 13 that the Department of Defense and the Justice Department have created a joint task force to identify and prosecute individuals who share sensitive information with the media, saying unauthorized disclosures can put lives and national security at risk.
In a video posted to X, Hegseth said the new task force will help the Pentagon investigate leaks more quickly and thoroughly. He added that people who improperly share confidential or classified information "will be met with the full force of the law."
"Leaked information risks lives," Hegseth said. "These new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force."
Under the policy, the Defense Department's Office of General Counsel will be able to request information from any part of the Pentagon when investigating unauthorized disclosures to media outlets.
Hegseth said Pentagon offices will have two days to provide a "full and complete" response to information requests tied to leak investigations.
Hegseth has faced leak scrutiny
The announcement comes after Hegseth faced questions over his own handling of sensitive military information.
The New York Times and CNN reported in 2025 that Hegseth shared details about U.S. airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen in a Signal group chat that included his wife and brother. The reports followed revelations that Hegseth participated in another Signal chat with senior Trump administration officials discussing the same military operation.
According to the reports, the chats included details about the timing of airstrikes carried out by F-18 fighter jets and missiles launched from naval vessels.
Wider Trump administration crackdown on leaks
Hegseth's announcement comes as the Trump administration steps up efforts to identify the sources of government leaks.
Last week, the Justice Department issued subpoenas to four New York Times reporters after the newspaper published reporting about security concerns involving a Qatari-donated aircraft intended for presidential use.
"Our journalists report the facts and advance the American public's right to know how their government is operating and their taxpayer dollars are being used," Times attorney David McCraw said in a statement released by the newspaper.
Contributing: Joey Garrison, USA TODAY
Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@usatodayco.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Hegseth launches Pentagon crackdown on media leaks
Reporting by Fernando Cervantes Jr., USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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This story was originally published July 13, 2026 at 7:53 PM.