SignalGate Fuels Media Battles

Fox News host, co-host of Fox & Friends and radio host Brian Kilmeade remains vocal in his criticism of how CNN, MSNBC, and ABC News have covered the so-called "SignalGate" controversy involving Pete Hegseth, who serves as Defense Secretary in the Trump administration. 

The controversy centers on a leaked Signal group chat where top Trump officials, including Hegseth, allegedly discussed sensitive military plans, such as forthcoming strikes on the Houthis in Yemen, in a manner that some have deemed reckless or a breach of security protocols.

Pete Hegsmith

Kilmeade has argued that these mainstream outlets are overblowing the story, attempting to turn it into a major scandal akin to past political controversies, such as the Russia investigations during Trump’s first term. On a recent episode of Fox & Friends, he suggested that the coverage by CNN, MSNBC, and ABC News is an effort to "Russiafy" the SignalGate story—implying they are exaggerating its significance to damage Trump’s administration. He has expressed frustration that these networks are fixating on the issue despite what he sees as more pressing matters, like Trump’s legislative agenda or other national priorities. 

In an X post, Kilmeade wrote that these outlets “all try to Russiafy this #signal story,” asserting that it “won’t work” because Trump is “moving too quick with substantial orders and legislation to be gummed up in it,” and that the American public sees through this media pattern.

Kilmeade’s comments highlights the polarized media landscape, with Kilmeade positioning himself and Fox News as countering what he sees as biased, sensationalized reporting from CNN, MSNBC, and ABC News on SignalGate and Hegseth’s involvement.

The controversy itself has seen mixed reactions, even within conservative circles, with some Fox News colleagues like Jennifer Griffin calling out the administration’s excuses as inadequate, while Kilmeade has consistently framed the coverage by rival networks as an unfair attack on Trump and his team.