The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic found himself unexpectedly involved in a national security breach when he was added to a private message thread with key officials from the Trump administration. The participants, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, were discussing recent military strikes against the Houthi militant group in Yemen, raising concerns over classified information being shared inappropriately.
Jeffrey Goldberg disclosed the incident on Monday, explaining that he had been contacted by Waltz on Signal on March 11, before being invited to a group chat titled “Houthi PC small group” two days later. In that chat, Goldberg received sensitive details about the operation, which had been carried out just days prior, on March 15, with the Trump administration asserting that it had targeted several Houthi leaders, who were backed by Iran.
Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed to The Post that the Signal chain, which involved Goldberg, appeared legitimate. “We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain,” he said, acknowledging the lapse.
When reporters confronted President Trump about the security breach on Monday, he expressed surprise. “You’re telling me about this for the first time,” he said. “Having to do with what? What were they talking about?”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt later clarified that the president maintains full confidence in his national security team, including Waltz.
The situation sparked a strong reaction from lawmakers across party lines. Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chair Mark Warner (D-Va.) criticized the administration’s handling of classified information, calling it “fast and loose,” and emphasizing that such leaks undermine national security. Representative Mike Lawler (R-NY) echoed his concern, stressing that “Classified information should not be transmitted on unsecured channels — and certainly not to those without security clearances, including reporters.” He further demanded that safeguards be implemented to prevent future breaches.
Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) pointed out the dangers of sending sensitive information over insecure platforms, remarking, “I’ve accidentally sent the wrong person a text. We all have.” However, he noted that the real issue was the use of unprotected channels for such discussions. “Russia and China are surely monitoring [Hegseth’s] unclassified phone,” he warned.
Goldberg’s inclusion in the chat seemed to point to a larger issue, as Russian intelligence has reportedly targeted Signal through phishing attempts, exploiting features that enable the platform to be used across multiple devices. If a phone is compromised, it could potentially allow access to Signal messages without breaching the platform’s encryption.
Despite the breach, Hughes defended the operation, asserting that “The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials” and emphasizing that there had been no risk to national security. The success of the Houthi operation, he claimed, proved that no threats to U.S. troops had occurred.
The Signal chat featured other senior officials, including someone identified as “MAR,” possibly Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and special Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. Also involved were White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Deputy White House Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller (referred to as “S M”), and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, whose name appeared as “TG.” Goldberg noted that he had been added to the chat under his initials “JG,” suggesting that his inclusion was a mix-up, possibly due to confusion with Jamieson Greer, the U.S. Trade Representative who attends National Security Council meetings.
Initially, Goldberg questioned whether the invitation was legitimate, suspecting that someone might have been pretending to be Waltz. However, by March 13, Waltz had instructed the group to ensure the best points of contact were provided for weekend communications.
The text exchanges showed some differences in opinion over the operation. Vance, who was en route to Michigan, expressed reservations, warning that the strikes could result in a public misunderstanding and increase oil prices. He suggested delaying the action by a month to better explain its importance. “I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now,” Vance said, though he eventually deferred to the consensus of the group.
Joe Kent, identified as Trump’s pick for the National Counterterrorism Center, agreed with Vance that the timing was not critical, saying, “There is nothing time sensitive driving the time line.”
Hegseth responded, acknowledging the difficulties of messaging, but arguing that the Houthis were largely unknown to the public, so it was important to stay focused on the key points: “1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded.” He emphasized that action had to be decisive.
Waltz weighed in, arguing that regardless of when the strikes took place, it would ultimately be the U.S. that had to reopen vital shipping lanes. “Per the president’s request we are working with DOD and State to determine how to compile the cost associated and levy them on the Europeans,” he stated.
In the end, Vance seemed to relent, telling Hegseth, “If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again.”
Hegseth responded with shared frustration, calling Europe’s reliance on U.S. support “PATHETIC,” but agreeing that the U.S. had to take action. “Nobody else even close,” he remarked, acknowledging the challenge of timing but ultimately supporting the mission.
Miller, apparently, then emphasized that the president had given a clear directive, but that any action would need to be followed up with expectations set for Europe and Egypt.
On March 15, Hegseth sent an update to the group with details about the strikes, which were soon reported in the press. Goldberg chose not to reveal specifics of the communication to avoid compromising U.S. military or intelligence operations. In response to the updates, Vance remarked, “I will say a prayer for victory.”
Goldberg eventually left the chat, reaching out to Waltz, Hegseth, Gabbard, and others about the breach. A spokesperson for Vance played down the issue, stressing that the vice president’s priority was ensuring the president was briefed on the internal deliberations. “Vice President Vance unequivocally supports this administration’s foreign policy,” said William Martin. “The President and the Vice President have had subsequent conversations about this matter and are in complete agreement.”
Goldberg’s inclusion in the chat was particularly striking, given his controversial 2020 article that accused Trump of disparaging U.S. troops buried in France, calling them “suckers” and “losers.” Despite Trump’s adamant denial, the accusation became widely cited by Democrats, including former President Joe Biden, even after a Freedom of Information Act release undermined the credibility of Goldberg’s report.
Goldberg’s article had claimed that Trump falsely blamed weather for canceling a visit to a cemetery near Paris, alleging that Trump had said, “the helicopter couldn’t fly” and that the Secret Service had refused to drive him. However, Navy records revealed that a “bad weather call” was made, which led to the cancellation. Despite this, Goldberg never corrected his original story.
State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce, addressing the situation at a Monday briefing, refused to comment on the specifics of deliberations among U.S. officials. “We will not comment on the Secretary’s deliberative conversations,” she stated. “You should contact the White House.”
{Matzav.com}
Heads should roll.
President Trump: “The leaks are real; the news is fake.”