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As scrutiny intensifies over the incident, public interest in Phil’s background, professional life, and role within the Department of Defense is growing rapidly.
Phil Hegseth - Defense Secretary's Brother
Phil Hegseth - Defense Secretary's Brother

Signal Chat Leak: What Happened?

In April 2025, The New York Times and Reuters reported that Pete Hegseth had shared sensitive military plans via an encrypted messaging app—Signal—within a private group chat called “Defense | Team Huddle.” This chat reportedly included 13 members, among them Pete’s wife, Jennifer Hegseth, and his brother, Phil Hegseth.

The leaked messages allegedly contained operational details, including the flight schedule of F/A-18 Hornet aircraft used in a U.S. strike against Houthi militants in Yemen on March 15. The group chat was not authorized for such classified communication, and several of its members lacked security clearance.

The inclusion of Phil Hegseth—who does not hold a military rank—has become a focal point of criticism, with lawmakers and defense officials raising concerns over the breach of protocol and potential national security risks.

Who Is Phil Hegseth?

Background and Early Life

Phil Hegseth was born and raised in Forest Lake, Minnesota, as the youngest son in the Hegseth family. He is the younger brother of Pete Hegseth, a decorated Army veteran, former Fox News personality, and now Secretary of Defense under the current U.S. administration.

Phil was active in athletics during his time at Forest Lake High School, where he played varsity basketball and was known for his leadership on and off the court.

Education

Unlike his older brother Pete—who graduated from Princeton University and later earned a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard—there are no publicly confirmed records of Phil Hegseth’s higher education. This has raised questions, given his senior role within the Department of Defense.

Phil Hegseth’s Career and Role in the U.S. Government

Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense

Phil Hegseth currently holds the title of Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense and Liaison Officer to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). His responsibilities reportedly include coordinating inter-agency initiatives, especially in areas related to border security, immigration enforcement, and cyber defense collaboration between the Pentagon and DHS.

Despite holding a senior advisory position, his appointment has drawn scrutiny due to the lack of transparency around his qualifications and the fact that he is a close relative of the Secretary himself.

Previous Work

Prior to his government role, Phil worked in media production, podcasting, and political consulting. Sources say he collaborated on conservative digital content and had brief stints as a communications aide during local campaigns. However, there is little public documentation or professional history that supports a formal background in defense or national security.

Family Ties: The Hegseth Legacy

Who Is Phil Hegseth? Pete Hegseth’s Brother Linked to Pentagon Signal Chat Controversy
Pete Hegseth and Phil Hegseth

The Hegseth family has deep roots in conservative politics and public service:

  • Pete Hegseth: Former Army National Guard officer, Fox News contributor, and now Secretary of Defense.

  • Brian Hegseth (Father): A former school principal known for instilling strong discipline in his children.

  • Penny Hegseth (Mother): Retired from education services.

Phil is known to maintain a low public profile, and unlike his brother, he has no active presence on social media. Details about his marital status, spouse, or children are not publicly available.

Net Worth and Financial Background

Phil Hegseth’s personal net worth is not publicly disclosed, but his position within the federal government likely places him in a GS-15 or Senior Executive Service (SES) salary tier, earning between $140,000 and $200,000 annually.

His brother, Pete Hegseth, has an estimated net worth of $6 million, stemming from his media career, book deals, and current federal salary.

Public and Political Fallout

The leak has prompted calls for accountability. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and others have demanded that the Pentagon investigate how individuals without clearance—like Phil—were able to access military planning discussions.

Some are now questioning whether Phil Hegseth’s position was granted based on merit or nepotism. Meanwhile, the Department of Defense has not yet issued a formal statement regarding Phil’s future in the agency.

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