President Donald Trump's defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, had an internet connection that bypassed the Pentagon’s security protocols set up in his office, two people familiar with the line told The Associated Press.

The app facilitated communications in a building where cell service is poor and personal phones are not allowed in some areas.

The move was intended to circumvent a lack of cellphone service in much of the Pentagon and enable easier communication between Hegseth and other Trump officials, said people familiar with the matter.