Following a review, the White House declared the matter closed regarding Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg’s unintentional inclusion in a sensitive Signal group chat involving high-ranking officials. No classified information was compromised, according to the White House. Measures have been implemented to prevent similar incidents. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz remains in his position.
In stark contrast to the intense scrutiny of Hillary Clinton’s email practices, a Signal group chat among top Trump administration officials, including Pete Hegseth, discussing a potential US bombing campaign against the Houthis in Yemen, has garnered significantly less attention. This chat, which accidentally included Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg, revealed plans for an imminent attack. The hypocrisy and potential risk to US military personnel inherent in this discrepancy are notable. Clinton herself has commented on the staggering hypocrisy and dangerous incompetence displayed.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard faced intense scrutiny after conflicting testimonies regarding a private Signal group chat containing sensitive war plans. Gabbard initially denied knowledge of classified information shared within the chat, but later attributed this to faulty memory. Her explanation was met with sharp criticism from both lawmakers and the public, who highlighted inconsistencies between her Senate and House testimony. The released texts, which detailed specific attack plans, revealed the presence of top-secret information, including target locations, aircraft types, and weaponry. Gabbard acknowledged the chat’s sensitive nature and that a reporter was inadvertently added.
In a lawsuit filed by American Oversight, the Trump administration is accused of using a Signal group chat, including cabinet members and Vice President Vance, to discuss a potential Yemen attack. The administration denies discussing classified information, attributing the incident to a low-level employee. Judge Boasberg, previously involved in legal battles with Trump, will now oversee discovery in this case. Trump’s past social media attacks against Judge Boasberg suggest strong negative feelings towards the judge’s involvement.
The Minnesota Star Tribune republished a New York Times opinion piece calling for Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s resignation following the revelation of a Signal group chat where sensitive discussions regarding Yemen airstrikes occurred. The chat included Hegseth, other high-ranking officials, and, inadvertently, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. This incident, described as a serious security breach, prompted criticism from both Democrats and military figures citing concerns about Hegseth’s qualifications and conduct. While Hegseth denies discussing “war plans,” calls for his resignation or dismissal persist, fueled by concerns about the potential compromise of national security.
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.
The inadvertent inclusion of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief in a Signal group chat discussing sensitive Yemen strike plans by Trump administration officials has drawn a muted response from Republicans. Many Republicans downplayed the leak of classified information as a minor mistake, while others, like Senator Roger Wicker, expressed concern and called for briefings and hearings. Conversely, Democrats and some commentators condemned the incident as a serious security breach and a potential threat to national security. The differing responses highlight a partisan divide on the severity of the leak and its implications.
A Signal group chat, mistakenly including a journalist, revealed highly classified details of impending U.S. military strikes in Yemen. The chat, involving top Trump administration officials, discussed the operation’s specifics, including targets and weaponry, two hours before the attack commenced. The journalist’s presence went unnoticed, highlighting a significant security breach and raising concerns about potential violations of the Espionage Act and federal records laws. Following the strikes, the National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the chat and initiated a review.
John Q. Hosedrinker