Donald Trump’s team is facing criticism after reportedly adding a journalist to an unsecured group chat where plans for an upcoming military strike were being discussed.
Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic said he was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat that included several top Trump administration officials.
Among the participants were Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who were reportedly discussing U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
He received a connection request from someone who appeared to be White House National Security Advisor Michael Waltz before being added to the group chat.
Goldberg stated that he had seen classified military plans for U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels—detailing weapons packages, targets, and timing—two hours before the attack occurred.
struck.
Donald Trump told reporters he was not aware of the Atlantic article when asked by reporters
Spokesman Brian Hughes told the BBC, “At this time, the message thread in question appears to be authentic. We are reviewing how an unintended number was added to the chain.
“The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials.”
Goldberg remarked that it was a fortunate mistake that he—rather than someone supporting the Houthis—was mistakenly added.
Speaking to PBS, he said, “If they were going to pick an errant phone number, at least it wasn’t someone who supported the Houthis, because they were actually sharing information that I believe could have endangered the lives of American service members involved in that operation.”
Donald Trump addressed reporters on Monday afternoon, stating that he was unaware of The Atlantic article.
Following the incident, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt released a statement, saying:
“The attacks on the Houthis have been highly successful and effective.
“President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.”
Despite the reported success of the operation, lawmakers from both parties have expressed shock over the incident, with some calling for an investigation into the security breach.
“This is one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence that I have read about in a very, very long time,” said Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer.
Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker, a Republican from Mississippi, stated that his panel intends to investigate the matter.
“It’s definitely a concern,” he said. “It appears that mistakes were made.”
