White House stunned as Hegseth inquiry brings up illegal wiretap claims

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The White House has lost confidence in a Pentagon leak investigation led by Pete Hegseth, which was used to justify firing three top aides last month. The investigation involved claims that the aides were exposed through an illegal, warrantless NSA wiretap—a claim later found to be false. This misinformation, reportedly spread by Hegseth’s lawyer overseeing the probe, caused distrust between the Pentagon and the White House. The leak involved a top-secret document about US military options for reclaiming the Panama Canal. The aides fired denied leaking the information, and some advisers suspect the investigation was used to remove staff involved in internal conflicts. The ongoing investigation, now nearly a month old, has produced no new evidence or FBI involvement. The situation has left Hegseth’s office understaffed, with the White House blocking permanent appointments due to concerns over experience and office dynamics, The Guardian has reported. The Pentagon declined to comment, while the White House expressed confidence in the defense secretary’s leadership.