The recent revelation by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic magazine, has stirred significant discussion regarding national security protocols. On Monday, Goldberg disclosed that he was privy to U.S. airstrike plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen before they were executed, thanks to an unexpected invitation to a Signal messaging app group chat. This group included notable figures from the Trump administration, such as national security adviser Michael Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Vice President JD Vance.
Goldberg recounted receiving a connection request on March 11, followed by his addition to a conversation titled “Houthi PC small group” just two days later. Within this chat, approximately 18 members of the administration discussed imminent military actions targeting Houthi positions in Yemen, which were subsequently carried out on March 15. The Houthi rebels, identified as an Iran-backed organization, have claimed their attacks are aimed at influencing the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
In his detailed account, Goldberg expressed skepticism about the authenticity of the Signal group chat, questioning whether senior national security officials would genuinely utilize such a platform for discussing sensitive military strategies. He noted, “I have never seen a breach quite like this,” emphasizing that while Signal is commonly used for logistical discussions, it is not typically employed for confidential military planning. The unprecedented nature of a journalist being included in such a conversation raised alarms about the integrity of communication within the national security apparatus.
In response to the Atlantic’s report, President Trump stated he was unaware of the situation, while White House National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes confirmed the authenticity of the message thread. Hughes indicated that an investigation was underway to understand how an unauthorized number was included in the discussion, asserting that the thread exemplified effective policy coordination among senior officials. He further noted that the successful execution of the Houthi operation indicated no threats to U.S. servicemembers or national security.
What is Signal?
Signal, a secure messaging application launched in 2018, gained immense popularity in 2021, amassing over 40 million users globally. Renowned for its end-to-end encryption, Signal ensures that only the sender and designated recipient can access the messages exchanged on the platform. Unlike other messaging services, Signal does not store any data on its servers, providing users with a high level of privacy and security. The app also features options for disappearing messages, allowing users to set timers for automatic deletion of specific conversations.
Government aides are not allowed to share classified info on such apps
According to Jason R. Baron, a professor at the University of Maryland and former director of litigation at the National Archives and Records Administration, government employees are prohibited from using messaging applications like Signal for official business unless those communications are promptly forwarded to an official government account. This policy underscores the importance of maintaining secure channels for classified information.
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Several former officials have indicated that while they have used Signal for sharing unclassified information during travel, they were always cautious not to discuss sensitive matters on the app. Goldberg highlighted that the officials involved in the recent Signal chat were potentially violating government policy by discussing military operations in such a manner. The inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in the conversation raises significant security and legal concerns, as it constitutes a breach of protocol regarding classified information.
Congress reacts: ‘Heads should roll’
The Atlantic’s report has prompted a swift reaction from congressional Democrats, who are calling for an investigation into the actions of the national security officials involved in the Signal conversation. Pennsylvania Rep. Chris Deluzio labeled the incident an “outrageous national security breach,” demanding accountability and a thorough inquiry. Other lawmakers echoed this sentiment, with California Rep. Sara Jacobs asserting that the situation warrants serious consequences for those responsible.
Senator Mark Warner, the leading Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, criticized the administration’s handling of classified information, stating that it compromises national security. Meanwhile, Rep. Pat Ryan expressed his determination to initiate a hearing if House Republicans do not take action promptly. Nebraska Rep. Don Bacon acknowledged the potential for accidental miscommunication but emphasized the gravity of discussing sensitive information over unsecured channels.
