Pritzker Requests National Security Assurances from Joint Chiefs of Staff
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has reached out to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, specifically to Acting Chairman Christopher Grady, seeking reassurance about national security measures. This request follows recent revelations that officials within President Donald Trump’s administration utilized the Signal messaging app to discuss sensitive foreign policy matters.
Concerns on Defense Oversight
In a letter dated Monday, Governor Pritzker expressed his lack of confidence in Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth’s ability to safeguard military personnel and uphold national defense integrity. He emphasized the urgent need for federal intervention to address safety concerns for service members, particularly highlighting the risks posed by recent communication practices.
Request for Specific Steps
Governor Pritzker specifically requested that the federal government outline the measures being put in place to mitigate what he described as “dangerous and egregious behavior” that threatens national security. He called for a detailed account of protocols aimed at protecting classified information and ensuring secure communication methods.
Impact on Illinois National Guard
Pritzker underscored his concerns by referencing the approximately 13,000 military personnel from the Illinois National Guard, with over 1,700 currently deployed on federal active-duty service. “The Secretary’s carelessness not only jeopardizes the lives of pilots involved in operations but also those of troops worldwide, including Illinois service members,” he stated.
He expressed his dissatisfaction with the current leadership and reiterated that he cannot remain silent while the safety of military personnel is jeopardized:
“I have lost faith in the ability of the Secretary of Defense to keep service members safe and maintain the integrity of our national defense operations,” Pritzker wrote.
Background and Ongoing Concerns
Pritzker, noted for his stance against Trump’s policies, recently returned from a four-day trip to Mexico aimed at strengthening economic ties between Mexico and Illinois. His outreach to the Joint Chiefs of Staff comes during a period of heightened scrutiny regarding the communication methods employed within the federal administration.
As of now, the governor’s office has not provided any comments regarding the letter following a request for more information from ABC News.
Awaiting Response
As the situation develops, Governor Pritzker awaits a response from Grady’s office regarding the assurances he has requested about the safety protocols for military personnel.