In a major security breach, senior officials from President Donald Trump’s administration inadvertently included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a Signal group chat discussing classified military plans against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi militants. The group comprised Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz.
The encrypted chat reportedly detailed critical aspects of the planned March 15 airstrikes, including target locations, weaponry, and timing. Goldberg, who was mistakenly added to the group, said he observed discussions just hours before the U.S. executed the operation. The National Security Council has since confirmed the authenticity of the messages and launched an internal investigation into the incident.
Internal Disagreements Over Yemen Airstrikes Exposed
Beyond the security lapse, the leaked chat revealed policy disagreements within the Trump administration. Vice President JD Vance expressed concerns over the potential diplomatic fallout, particularly its impact on U.S.-European relations and the risk of oil price spikes.
“I am not sure the president Trump; is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now,” Vance reportedly wrote. “There’s a further risk that we see a moderate to severe spike in oil prices.” Despite his reservations, Vance ultimately agreed to support the consensus, though he suggested postponing the operation by a month to improve diplomatic messaging.
This revelation has raised questions about whether the Trump administration was fully aligned on the Yemen operation. While the airstrikes successfully targeted Houthi positions, the internal rift has fueled political scrutiny.
Bipartisan Outrage and Calls for Investigation
The exposure of classified military discussions in an unclassified chat has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) confirmed that his panel plans to investigate, while Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer called it “one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence in recent history.”
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta underscored the potential risk to U.S. military personnel, stating that such lapses could embolden adversaries. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) acknowledged the mistake but defended the officials’ handling of the military operation. However, several Democrats have described the episode as a “national security scandal” and demanded accountability.
Trump Administration Denies Wrongdoing, Targets Media
The Trump administration has downplayed the significance of the security breach while redirecting criticism toward The Atlantic and Goldberg. Defense Secretary Hegseth denied that war plans were texted and labeled Goldberg a “deceitful and highly discredited” journalist. President Trump, when asked about the incident, claimed he was unaware of the article but dismissed The Atlantic’s reporting as “fake news.”
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the Trump administration’s handling of the Yemen operation, stating that “the attacks on the Houthis have been highly successful and effective.” Meanwhile, the National Security Council has pledged to review the incident and tighten communication protocols.
Criticism Over Anti-Europe Sentiments in Messages
The leaked messages also shed light on tensions between U.S. officials and European allies. Several messages suggested frustration over European reliance on American military support. One message, attributed to Mike Waltz, proposed calculating the costs of securing Red Sea shipping lanes and making European nations pay.
Vice President Vance was particularly vocal, writing, “I just hate bailing Europe out again.” Defense Secretary Hegseth reportedly responded, “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.” These comments have drawn backlash, with critics arguing they undermine U.S.-European relations at a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty.
As investigations unfold, the incident raises serious concerns about national security protocols and the administration’s approach to diplomatic and military strategy. With bipartisan calls for accountability growing louder, the Trump White House faces mounting pressure to address the implications of this unprecedented security lapse.
