Top Secret War Plans Revealed in Stunning Blunder as Journalist Added to Text chat with Trump's National Security Team
On Monday, a startling revelation emerged regarding the handling of sensitive national security matters within the Trump administration. A private Signal chat, initiated by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, included a surprising participant—Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of The Atlantic. The chat, intended for high-level discussions about military strikes in Yemen, inadvertently exposed operational details to an unauthorized recipient.
The conversation on the encrypted messaging app included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. Other members in the chat included a CIA representative, Trump adviser Stephen Miller, and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles. Goldberg, a seasoned Washington D.C. journalist, found himself unexpectedly added to this exclusive group.
Goldberg expressed his astonishment at being included, stating that he had never before been invited to a White House principals-committee meeting, nor had he encountered national-security discussions taking place over a commercial messaging app. Despite his initial doubts about the legitimacy of the chat, he realized its authenticity when military action in Yemen unfolded in real time, aligning with details discussed in the group.
Goldberg reported that he received a message from Hegseth at 11:44 a.m., outlining a war plan. By 2 p.m., bombs were falling in Yemen. The inclusion of an unauthorized individual in such a discussion constitutes a severe security lapse, now placing Hegseth under scrutiny for the breach.
Although Goldberg refrained from disclosing all the details shared in the chat due to national security concerns, he confirmed that critical information regarding military targets, weaponry, and attack sequencing was discussed openly. The chat’s participants, however, proceeded with their coordination, with Vice President Vance expressing reservations about the operation's timing and potential economic impact. Despite his concerns, he ultimately deferred to the collective decision.
During the discussion, Vance remarked on the risk of rising oil prices and suggested postponing the strikes. Hegseth acknowledged these concerns but maintained that the decision had been made. Following some debate, Vance conceded, stating, "If you think we should do it, let's go. I just hate bailing Europe out again."
Goldberg remained unnoticed in the chat as the operation progressed. He later revealed that he withheld certain details that could have compromised American military personnel had they fallen into the wrong hands. The conversation included expressions of support for the mission, with participants exchanging emojis and congratulatory messages after the strikes commenced. Waltz responded with a fist, an American flag, and fire emojis, while Wiles praised those involved, and another participant added prayer and flexed bicep emojis.
After confirming the authenticity of the chat through real-time developments in Yemen, Goldberg voluntarily exited the group and reached out to the officials involved. Brian Hughes, the spokesman for the National Security Council, acknowledged the situation, confirming the chat’s legitimacy and stating that an internal review was underway to determine how Goldberg’s number was added.
Legal experts consulted on the matter suggested that the use of Signal for discussing military operations might constitute a violation of the Espionage Act, which governs the handling of national defense information. Additionally, the chat may have breached the Presidential Records Act, which mandates the preservation of all presidential records. Signal’s disappearing messages could hinder compliance with this legal requirement.
This incident raises concerns over the Trump administration’s adherence to established security protocols. The government has designated secure communication systems for classified discussions, and officials are required to conduct such conversations in Secure Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) or on authorized government devices. The use of an encrypted messaging app for coordinating military actions represents a significant departure from these protocols.
The situation is particularly notable given Trump’s previous stance on government record-keeping and security practices. As a presidential candidate, he repeatedly criticized Hillary Clinton for using a private email server for official business, leading chants of "Lock her up" at campaign rallies. This latest revelation raises questions about the administration’s own handling of classified information and national security procedures
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