Texts from National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, exchanged in a group chat including Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed sensitive intelligence-gathering details about the Houthis. This included information about the CIA’s surveillance methods and specific targets, potentially compromising future intelligence operations. Current and former officials sharply disagree with claims that no classified information was shared, asserting the messages exposed sources and methods. The use of the unclassified Signal app for such sensitive discussions is also raising concerns within the intelligence community.
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A YouGov poll reveals that 74% of Americans consider the Signalgate incident—the discussion of Yemen strike plans on a messaging app including a journalist—a serious problem, with even 60% of Republicans agreeing. While the White House dismisses the matter, some prominent Republicans, like Tomi Lahren, are urging the administration to acknowledge the error. Senator Ted Cruz called the journalist’s inclusion a mistake but rejected calls for an investigation. Growing pressure is mounting on Trump to dismiss National Security Advisor Mike Waltz for his role in the incident.
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National Security Adviser Mike Waltz denies knowing journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, claiming he wouldn’t recognize him, despite Goldberg’s assertion of having met Waltz twice. However, a 2021 photograph shows both men together at a book launch, contradicting Waltz’s statement. Waltz attributed Goldberg’s inclusion in a top-secret group chat to a technical issue or hacking, a claim met with skepticism. Following the leak of sensitive information, President Trump, reportedly angered by the incident, tasked Waltz with investigating the matter.
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A publicly accessible Venmo account belonging to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz revealed hundreds of his personal and professional contacts, including journalists, military officials, and lobbyists, posing a significant national security risk. This account, linked to other accounts of White House officials like Susie Wiles and Walker Barrett, exposed participants in a sensitive Signal group chat discussing a Yemen strike. Following WIRED’s inquiry, the accounts were made private. Experts cite this as part of a larger pattern of reckless behavior by senior administration officials regarding the handling of sensitive information.
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Following a security breach exposing military attack plans via a leaked group chat, Senator Mark Kelly demanded Pete Hegseth’s resignation as Defense Secretary. Kelly’s call for Hegseth’s resignation was made during an appearance on Deadline White House. The discussion also involved consideration of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz’s potential resignation. This incident is not the first alleged instance of Hegseth’s negligence, according to Senator Kelly.
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Published Signal messages reveal a minute-by-minute account of a Yemen operation, shared by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with a group including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Vice President JD Vance, approximately two hours before the attack. The messages detail target locations, weapon systems, and attack timelines, raising concerns about potential security breaches given the pre-attack dissemination of sensitive operational information. Despite White House denials, The Atlantic published the messages, which ultimately led to 53 civilian casualties. The incident prompted investigations into how a journalist gained access to the private chat and highlighted concerns about the use of Signal for sensitive communications within the government.
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National Security Advisor Michael Waltz accepted full responsibility for a Signal group chat inadvertently including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, leading to the leak of sensitive information about planned Yemen airstrikes. Waltz, while blaming Goldberg and criticizing media coverage, admitted to creating the group and stated he was investigating the incident with technical experts. Despite Waltz’s claim of no staffer involvement, President Trump suggested otherwise, though his account was unclear. The incident sparked widespread criticism, with concerns raised about potential Espionage Act violations and accusations of careless handling of classified information.
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Following the revelation that a Signal group chat concerning a Yemen bombing campaign included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Senator Mark Warner demanded the resignations of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Warner cited the officials’ failure to observe basic security protocols as “sloppy, careless, and incompetent behavior,” particularly regarding the handling of potentially classified information. The hearing revealed conflicting testimony from administration officials, with some denying the gravity of the situation and others refusing to disclose the chat’s contents. President Trump defended Waltz, while Hegseth attempted to discredit the journalist and the report.
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A top Intel Democrat is calling for the resignations of Representatives Mike Waltz and Pete Hegseth following the revelation of their involvement in a highly concerning communication incident. This incident, involving the sharing of sensitive military information via a seemingly unsecured messaging application, underscores a significant lapse in security protocols and raises serious questions about the competence and judgment of those involved.
The severity of this situation cannot be overstated. The use of unauthorized apps to discuss sensitive military plans, especially at the highest levels of government, is a blatant disregard for national security and established procedures. The potential consequences of such carelessness are immense, ranging from compromised operational plans to the exposure of sensitive intelligence to adversaries.… Continue reading
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz denies President Trump plans to invade Canada, despite Prime Minister Trudeau’s claims of annexation discussions. Waltz frames Trump’s actions as a reassertion of American leadership in the Western Hemisphere, encompassing Arctic security and the Panama Canal. However, Trump himself confirmed plans to potentially make Canada the 51st state, citing economic losses. Simultaneously, significant budget cuts are planned across various federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, with Elon Musk tasked with identifying wasteful spending.
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