Source work delivers scoop on Hegseth bypassing Pentagon security protocols to connect to Signal

By Tara Copp

Pentagon reporter Tara Copp, who has been closely tracking Trump administration changes to the military since Pete Hegseth was nominated as defense secretary, sprang into action when The New York Times reported Hegseth maintained a second Signal chat with his family members.

Copp’s source development and deep expertise on the Pentagon beat allowed her to push past obstacles — especially in an environment where sources are increasingly skittish due to ongoing leak investigations — to uncover new, exclusive details.

She confirmed that Hegseth had connected what is known as a “dirty internet” line in his Pentagon office, allowing him to bypass Defense Department security safeguards and use a personal computer to access Signal.

Copp quickly assembled the story, adding valuable context by interviewing an expert military source who explained how such a setup could expose Hegseth — and the sensitive information he handles — to surveillance or hacking.

NBC News, ABC News, CBS News, and other outlets followed AP’s reporting, crediting it as the first to reveal the use of the unsecured line.

Copp’s reporting was a prime example of beat expertise, persistent sourcing, and fast, impactful journalism.

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