MANCHESTER, N.H. — Rep. Maggie Goodlander says Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is not fit to serve in his role.

Goodlander’s criticism comes after a Pentagon watchdog found Hegseth put U.S. personnel and their mission at risk by using the messaging app Signal to convey sensitive information about a military strike in Yemen.

“It is absolutely baffling to me how a person in such an extraordinary position of public trust could be so reckless,” Goodlander said. “I think this is one example of, unfortunately, many that show that this is a person who is not fit to serve as our Secretary of Defense.”

In recent days, Hegseth has faced scrutiny over a follow-up strike in September against a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean Sea. Two people survived the initial attack before a second strike was ordered.

A Washington Post report claimed Hegseth gave a verbal order to “kill everybody” on the boat.

Hegseth has denied the claim, saying the admiral in charge made the call.

The admiral is scheduled to answer questions from lawmakers on Thursday.

https://www.wmur.com/article/maggie-goodlander-criticizes-pete-hegseth-12042025/69626432