'Leaked information risks lives': Hegseth unveils Pentagon-DOJ task force to hunt down leakers

WASHINGTON, DC: The Pentagon, in collaboration with the Department of Justice, is all set to crack down on people who leak sensitive information.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a joint task force with the DoJ to identify and prosecute leakers as part of the department’s effort to clamp down on the disclosure of sensitive information.

The decision comes after frequent unauthorized leaks of sensitive government information to the media.

Pete Hegseth unveils tougher measures against Pentagon leaks

The task force marks a significant escalation in the Pentagon's campaign against unauthorized disclosures, strengthening coordination with the Justice Department and streamlining internal investigations.

Hegseth said the Defense Department’s Office of General Counsel (OGC) will be able to request and receive all information, support, and records across the Pentagon regarding news media leak investigations.

Releasing a video on Monday, July 13, Hegseth warned that offenders would face criminal prosecution.

“Leaked information risks lives. These new tools and processes will greatly assist us in protecting our joint force. The security of our nation cannot be a bargaining chip for those who seek momentary headlines,” Hegseth said in a roughly two-and-a-half-minute video.

“Access to confidential and secret information is a sacred trust, and those who betray that trust will be met with the full force of the law,” he added.

Pentagon fired Pete Hegseth aides in leak investigation

Since taking over the Pentagon, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has stepped up efforts to stop leaks to the media.

Last year, the department launched investigations into personnel accused of leaking classified information to the press and warned that polygraph tests could be used.

Among those investigated were some of Hegseth's own aides, including former Senior Adviser Dan Caldwell, former Deputy Chief of Staff Darin Selnick, and former Chief of Staff to Deputy Defense Secretary Stephen A Feinberg, Colin Carroll.

The three were initially placed on leave, then escorted out of the Pentagon, and later fired as part of the leak investigation.

Hegseth came under fire for Signal chat controversy

Hegseth has also faced scrutiny over his own handling of sensitive information. Last year, he discussed pending US strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen in a Signal group chat that mistakenly included The Atlantic's editor.

A December report by the Pentagon's Office of Inspector General found that Hegseth violated department policy and put troop safety at risk by using the Signal app on his personal cellphone.

Reporters are now mostly barred from the Pentagon as Hegseth has revoked access to most facilities.