John Bolton Urges Defense Secretary Hegseth to Resign for Safety

Former National Security Advisor John Bolton has publicly called for U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to resign 'for his own safety’s sake,' citing concerns over Hegseth’s use of the messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military information. Bolton argued that such practices present significant security risks, especially at a time when the Trump administration is expected to propose major increases in defense spending. He stressed the need for a defense secretary focused on operational effectiveness rather than participating in unsecured group chats, some of which reportedly included non-government individuals and a journalist. President Trump, however, has defended Hegseth, expressing confidence in his ability to manage the role and downplaying the controversy. The issue has highlighted broader debates about security protocols and leadership at the Pentagon, with Bolton's remarks drawing attention to recent controversies and staff departures under Hegseth. While the administration insists no classified information was compromised, the incident has intensified scrutiny of Hegseth’s conduct and management.