Accidental Inclusion of Journalist in U.S. Military Planning Chat Raises Security Concerns
Senior officials mistakenly share sensitive Yemen strike details over unclassified messaging app
In a significant security lapse, top U.S. officials inadvertently added a journalist to an encrypted group chat discussing classified military operations in Yemen, highlighting vulnerabilities in communication protocols.
In March 2025, senior members of President Trump's administration, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, coordinated airstrikes against Houthi militants in Yemen. These operations aimed to protect international shipping routes in the Red Sea. The officials used the encrypted messaging app Signal for their discussions.
During the planning phase, Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, to the Signal group chat. Unaware of his inclusion, Goldberg had access to detailed discussions about the timing, targets, and strategies of the impending strikes. The group debated the operation's timing, with Vance expressing concerns about potential oil price spikes and alignment with U.S. messaging on Europe. Despite these reservations, the strikes proceeded, and participants later congratulated each other on the mission's execution.
This incident underscores the risks associated with using non-governmental communication platforms for sensitive discussions. Experts warn that such practices could expose critical information to foreign adversaries, compromising national security. The breach has prompted calls for stricter adherence to secure communication channels and a reevaluation of current protocols to prevent similar occurrences.
The inadvertent sharing of classified military plans with a journalist has illuminated potential weaknesses in the communication practices of senior officials. Addressing these vulnerabilities is crucial to safeguarding national interests and maintaining operational security.
How should government officials balance the convenience of modern communication tools with the imperative of maintaining national security?
