White House hit back at news reports detailing Secretary Pete Hegseth's reported involvement in a second Signal group chat, calling it a "nonstory" while also slamming recently fired Defense staffers.

Hegseth’s Signal use is under investigation by the Defense Department’s acting inspector general at the request of the bipartisan leadership of the Senate Armed Services Committee. The senior Democratic member, Jack Reed of Rhode Island, urged the watchdog Sunday to probe the reported second chat as well.

President Donald Trump on Monday defended his embattled defense secretary, saying he's pleased with his leadership thus far.