Rep. Cisneros Statement on Trump Administration Texting War Plans on Unverified Text Chain

Washington, DC – Today, Congressman Gilbert R. Cisneros, Jr. released the following statement after the Atlantic’s report detailing that Defense Secretary Hegseth and top Trump Administration national security staffers included a journalist on an unsecured text messaging app discussing Defense Department operations in Yemen: 

“I had grave concerns with Pete Hegseth's nomination to serve as Secretary of Defense, and unfortunately, he is not proving me wrong. These men are tasked with making critical decisions about our national security that keep us safe. Not only is this clear that these communications are illegal, but it’s unconscionable that these war plans were sent over non-secure messaging systems. We need a full investigation immediately and each of these officials must be held accountable for their dangerous actions.” 

Rep. Cisneros is a Navy veteran and the former Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness. He currently serves on the House Armed Services Committee and its Intelligence and Special Operations and Military Personnel Subcommittees. He also serves as the Chair of the New Dem National Security Working Group.