continue the conversation is Democratic Congressman Sua Submanum of Virginia. He's a member of the oversight and ethics committees. Congressman, lots to talk to you about today, but let's pick up where we just left off.You have seen this IG report. It confirms Hegsath class shared classified information on Signal. I know you have called for him to resign.He put out a statement falsely claiming the report exonerates him. So, it doesn't sound like he's planning to go anywhere. Could he be impeached over this. ...

Good to have you with us this morning. I'm Joe Frier. >> And I'm Savannah Sers. Thank you for starting your day with us. We're going to begin this morning with Defense Secretary Pete Hegsath at the center of another controversy. He is facing renewed scrutiny after a Pentagon watchdog underscored that he shared secret information over an unsecured group chat that could have put American troops in danger. The report, which follows an eight-monthlong investigation, said Hegath violated military regulations by ...

Uh, Jeffrey, another subject. It was your March story titled, "The Trump administration accidentally texted me its war plans." One of the most extraordinary headlines I can recall, which ultimately prompted an Inspector General's investigation. That report is expected to be released today.That IG report says Secretary Hegsith did put US personnel at risk when he used the Signal app to send classified information. Sources who have seen it say the eight-month investigation found Hegath violated security proto ...

National Security Breach & Policy Violation - The Pentagon's Inspector General report indicates Pete Hegsth shared information in a Signal chat, potentially endangering mission operations and servicemen in Yemen [1] - Hegsth violated department policies by using Signal, a commercial messaging app, for sharing classified information [1] - The shared information included detailed timing of US warplanes over targets in Yemen [1][2] - The Inspector General's report states the information was classified when Hegsth received it from US Central Command [2] Potential Consequences & Double Standards - Lower-level employees would face military discharge and potential criminal prosecution for similar actions [1] - The situation creates an impression of two sets of rules: one for leadership and one for everyone else [1] Information Shared & Operational Security - Hegsth shared real-time updates on a military operation, including launch times for F-18s and strike drones [4] - The shared information included "Time now 11:44 Eastern time The weather is favorable I just confirmed with Sentcom we are a go for mission launch" [3] - The texts also mentioned "12:15 Eastern time F-18's launch first strike package 1345 so 145 triggerbased F-18 first strike window starts target terrorist is at his known location so should be on time also strike drones launch" [4] - The real-time sharing of information posed a risk to pilots if it had fallen into the wrong hands, such as the Houthis [14] Justification & Context - Hegsth may claim he declassified the information before sharing it [2] - However, sharing with individuals who already possess high-level security clearances negates the need for declassification [5][7]

Congressional Oversight & Legal Compliance - Congressional defense committees legally require military execute orders within 15 days of issuance [1] - Senator Reid states that legally entitled information has not yet been received [3] - Ensuring the military fulfills its legal obligations is critical, especially regarding the laws of war [6] Concerns Regarding Military Operations - Concerns exist regarding the legality of military employment in law enforcement activities [4] - Specific incidents, such as a second strike potentially involving survivors, raise concerns about law violations [4] - Questions arise about the nature of combat in the Caribbean and whether the "fog of war" explanation is applicable [7] Secretary of Defense Hegsth's Actions & Competence - Secretary Hegsth's comments are deemed not credible [10] - Secretary Hegsth is criticized for lacking competence, self-discipline, temperament, and capability [10] - Secretary Hegsth allegedly shared classified war plans over a non-government communication system [11] - A Pentagon Inspector General report on the "signal gate" incident is expected to be made public [12]

Legal & Political Risk - A potential $230 million (USD) demand from Donald Trump to the taxpayers as compensation for investigations by the Department of Justice is under scrutiny [1] - The demand is based on purported violations of Trump's rights, including the FBI and special counsel investigation into Russian election tampering and the search of Mara Lago for classified documents [1] - Ethical concerns arise due to Trump leading the government while demanding money from it, with his own attorney general potentially approving the settlement [2] - The investigations in question led to multiple indictments and guilty pleas, including those of Trump's campaign manager and other close associates [4] - Concerns exist that political appointees within the Department of Justice, who previously served as Trump's counsel, may not be impartial in deciding on the settlement [10][19] Potential Legal Actions - Taxpayer lawsuits could challenge the settlement, arguing that it harms taxpayers and is being decided by conflicted parties [22] - Bar associations could intervene, arguing that the former counsel's duty of loyalty to their prior client creates a conflict of interest [23][24] - A hearing or trial could reveal details of the Russia case and Mara Lago situation, which Trump has previously avoided [16][17] Investigation Context - Special counsel John Durham found no criminal wrongdoing on the part of the investigators [5] - The investigation into Trump's handling of classified information revealed boxes of documents, including nuclear secrets, stored at his private club [5][6] - There is an active investigation into officials who served under former President Barack Obama [13][14]

Well, joining me now we have California Congressman Ted Lou, vice chair of the House Democratic Caucus and member of the Judiciary and Foreign Affairs committees. Welcome, my friend. Let's get right into it because organizers say nearly 7 million people turned out Saturday at protests across the country.2 million more, by the way, than those rallies in June. What is the impact of what you saw yesterday. And what do you say to Speaker Mike Johnson and other Republicans who called the demonstrations hate Amer ...

John Bolton just made his first court appearance pleading not guilty to charges alleging that he mishandled classified information. Comes after he surrendered to authorities earlier this morning. Just yesterday, Bolton, now a prominent critic of President Trump, was indicted by a federal grand jury.He's charged with eight counts of transmission of national defense information and 10 counts of unlawful retention of that information, 18 counts in all. Let's go right to our senior legal correspondent, Laura Ja ...

Breaking news. President Trump's former national security adviser, John Bolton, just made his first court appearance, pleading not guilty to charges, alleging that he mishandled classified information. Comes after he surrendered to authorities earlier this morning.Just yesterday, Bolton, now a prominent critic of President Trump, was indicted by a federal grand jury. He's charged with eight counts of transmission of national defense information and 10 counts of unlawful retention of that information. ...

Legal & Political Risk - Former national security adviser John Bolton faces 18 counts of mishandling classified information [1] - Bolton denies any wrongdoing [1] - The indictment is part of a series against President Trump's political adversaries [1]