Goa, Dec. 4 -- US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who narrowly survived a contentious Senate confirmation earlier this year, is now confronting a deepening leadership crisis as congressional scrutiny escalates over his conduct and decision-making.

Hegseth's appointment had already raised bipartisan concerns, with lawmakers questioning the former Fox News host's temperament, qualifications and ability to lead the Pentagon. Just three months into the job, he became embroiled in "Signalgate," after he and senior officials used the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss imminent military strikes in Yemen. A Pentagon inspector general's report submitted to Congress on Wednesday concluded that the use of the platform risked compromising per...