Trump backs defence secretary after reports of second Signal chat leak

President Trump has supported Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth amid reports of military plans being shared in a Signal group chat involving Hegseth’s family and lawyer. The controversy follows allegations that sensitive information about air strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen was discussed, which Hegseth criticized as media fabrication. White House officials have downplayed the reports, asserting no classified information was shared, while Hegseth has faced scrutiny for including non-officials in discussions about military operations.