Recent reports have surfaced regarding a significant security breach within the Trump administration, involving the inadvertent inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat where top U.S. officials discussed classified military plans concerning Yemen.

This article aims to verify the facts surrounding this incident, assess the credibility of the claims, and explore the broader implications.​

Read more: Pete Hegseth: 'Nobody Was Texting War Plans' - Denies Jeffrey Goldberg's Claim

Did Trump Administration Share Top Secret War Plans With The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg
Did Trump Administration Share Top Secret War Plans With The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg

Did Trump Administration Share Top Secret War Plans With The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg?

On March 24, 2025, The Atlantic published an article by Jeffrey Goldberg detailing how he was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat titled "Houthi PC small group."

This group included high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. Within this chat, participants discussed imminent U.S. military strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen, sharing sensitive information about weapons, targets, and timing.

Goldberg reported that he became aware of the planned attacks approximately two hours before they commenced on March 15.

Read more: Who Are the Houthi Rebels? Origins, Military Strength, Leaders, And Major Attacks

Verification of Claims

The incident involving the accidental inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg in a Signal group chat discussing U.S. military operations has been substantiated through multiple channels:​

  • White House Confirmation: Brian Hughes, spokesman for the National Security Council, verified the authenticity of the Signal chat. He stated, "At this time, the message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain." Hughes emphasized that the thread demonstrated "deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials" and noted that the success of the Houthi operation indicated no threats to U.S. servicemembers or national security. ​

  • President Trump's Response: When questioned about the incident, President Trump expressed unawareness, stating, "I don't know anything about it," and further remarked, "I'm not a big fan of The Atlantic." This response underscores a lack of direct knowledge about the breach within the highest level of the administration. ​

  • Media Corroboration: Several reputable media outlets have reported on the breach, citing confirmations from administration officials:​

    • The Guardian highlighted the gravity of the security lapse, noting that senior members of the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, inadvertently included a journalist in a Signal chat discussing confidential military plans. ​

    • The Wall Street Journal emphasized the unprecedented nature of the breach, reporting that senior national-security officials used an unclassified Signal chat to discuss launching airstrikes against Yemen's Houthi militants, inadvertently including Jeffrey Goldberg in the conversation. ​

    • CBS News provided details on the internal discussions within the chat, noting that officials debated the timing of the operation and that Vice President Vance expressed concerns about the potential economic impact and consistency with the administration's European policies. ​

  • Jeffrey Goldberg's Account: In his article for The Atlantic, Goldberg detailed his unexpected inclusion in the Signal chat, describing how he received a connection request from a user identified as Michael Waltz and was subsequently added to a group titled "Houthi PC small group." He recounted observing discussions about imminent military strikes, including specifics about weapons, targets, and timing, which aligned with the actual attacks that occurred on March 15.

Read more: What is Signal App? Yemen War Chat Leak, And Security Warnings

Internal Discussions and Dissent

Within the Signal chat, Vice President JD Vance expressed reservations about the timing and strategic implications of the strikes. He highlighted concerns about potential inconsistencies with the administration's European policies and the risk of escalating oil prices. Despite his objections, the operation proceeded as planned. ​

Security Protocols and Implications

The use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app not approved by the U.S. government for transmitting classified information, has drawn significant criticism. National security experts have labeled the breach as unprecedented and alarming.

Democratic Representative Pat Ryan, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, described the situation as "FUBAR," underscoring the severity of the lapse.

Conclusion

The accidental inclusion of a journalist in a confidential Signal chat among top U.S. officials discussing military operations in Yemen is a confirmed and serious security breach. The incident underscores the critical need for stringent communication protocols when handling classified information. As the administration conducts its investigation, this event serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital communications and the paramount importance of safeguarding national security information.

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