(NewsNation) — The top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee is demanding the ouster of Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth following the Signal leak scandal and says Trump National Security Adviser Mike Watlz may also have to go.
U.S. Sen. Mark Warner of Virginia talked with “On Balance” on Wednesday as fallout continued over the mistaken inclusion of a journalist within an encrypted group chat about a U.S. strike on Houthi rebels.
“There needs to be accountability,” said Warner, who faults Trump’s inner circle with a number of security gaffes.
House Republican: White House ‘in denial’ about Signal war plans chat
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa., a former Air Force officer, likewise called for Hegseth’s resignation or removal, saying he should know better than to use the Signal app as a way to discuss military details with others.
“We’re talking about literally classified information. The release of classified information in a nonsecure environment is an absolutely impeachable, literally, offense,” she told “The Hill” on Wednesday.
Also caught up in the Signal fiasco is Waltz, the Trump security adviser. Warner acknowledged that Waltz is among the few White House officials who are wary of Russia but said he may also be culpable.
“I do appreciate his views on Russia. I would like to get a fuller answer on how there was no ability to check who was on this call,” Warner said. “And if I don’t get that, then I think, unfortunately, Director Waltz should go, as well.”
