Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly directed a desktop computer in his Pentagon office be installed with the messaging app Signal, adding another layer to the controversy around his use of the encrypted messaging app, multiple outlets reported Thursday.
Hegseth earlier this year effectively “cloned” the Signal app on his personal cellphone to his computer as a way to get around blocks on the messaging app in classified areas, and to message people outside the Pentagon, The Washington Post first reported. Personal cell phones and electronics are not allowed in classified areas of the Pentagon.
Three people familiar with the matter told the outlet Hegseth and his aides discussed how they could bypass the lack of cellphone service in the Pentagon and more quickly connect with the White House and other top Trump officials using Signal.
Hegseth has two computers in his office, one for personal use and another that is government-issued, one of the people familiar with the matter told The Post.
The New York Times also reported Hegseth had cables installed in early March so he could connect the computer to Signal, a capability his confidential assistant and Col. Ricky Buria, his junior military aide, also had.
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