The Trump administration is under scrutiny following revelations that a journalist was inadvertently added to an encrypted group chat where senior US national security officials discussed military strikes in Yemen. The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg reported that he was included in a Signal chat where Vice-President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and other top officials exchanged classified information regarding planned attacks on Houthi rebels.
Goldberg stated that he was added to the group, seemingly by accident, after receiving a connection request from an account that appeared to belong to White House National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. He was able to view details about the operation, including weapons packages, targets, and timing, nearly two hours before the strikes took place.
The leak has sparked outrage among lawmakers, with Democrats calling for an investigation. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it “one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence in a very, very long time.” The Senate Armed Services Committee, chaired by Republican Senator Roger Wicker, has confirmed it will investigate the matter, acknowledging that “mistakes were made.”
President Donald Trump distanced himself from the controversy, stating he was unaware of The Atlantic’s report. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration, emphasizing that the attacks on the Houthis were successful and that Trump continues to have full confidence in his national security team.
A surprising element of the leaked messages was Vice-President Vance’s apparent disagreement with Trump over the strikes, citing concerns about potential economic impacts, particularly on oil prices. While Vance’s spokesman later affirmed the vice-president’s support for the administration’s foreign policy, the exchange raises questions about internal divisions within the White House.
Further controversy emerged from messages criticizing European nations for allegedly relying on the US to secure key shipping lanes. Vance’s account expressed frustration over “bailing Europe out again,” while Hegseth responded with strong language condemning European “free-loading.”
As investigations begin, the incident underscores serious concerns over security lapses within the administration and raises broader questions about the handling of classified military operations.
