- Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg added to encrypted Signal group discussing Yemen military operations
- Conflicting explanations from NSC advisor Waltz and Trump administration officials
- Security experts warn about risks of using commercial apps for sensitive communications
- Democratic lawmakers demand accountability for potential Espionage Act violations
The Trump administration faces mounting scrutiny after The Atlantic's editor-in-chief gained access to a private Signal chat containing discussions about planned U.S. military action against Houthi rebels. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz initially claimed responsibility for adding Jeffrey Goldberg to the group, while President Trump later suggested a staffer's error or technical glitch caused the security lapse. This incident highlights growing concerns about encrypted messaging platforms being used for official government communications.
Signal's security features require explicit administrator approval for group additions, contradicting claims of accidental inclusion. Cybersecurity analysts note the app's phone number verification system makes mistaken additions unlikely without deliberate action. The breach occurred as officials debated retaliatory strikes following Houthi attacks on commercial shipping lanes in the Red Sea, raising questions about operational security protocols.
Legal experts emphasize potential violations of the Espionage Act, particularly if classified information was discussed. While President Trump denies sensitive material was shared, former intelligence officials warn that even unclassified tactical discussions could aid adversaries. The NSC has launched an internal review with technical assistance from Elon Musk's team to determine how Goldberg remained in the chat for 72 hours before being removed.
This security lapse follows a 2023 Pentagon incident where Ukrainian officials were accidentally included in a NATO planning chat. Unlike that case involving allied coordination, the current breach involves a journalist receiving real-time updates about combat operations. Military historians compare it to the 2010 WikiLeaks disclosure but occurring through modern encrypted channels rather than physical media leaks.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed ongoing reforms to secure messaging protocols, including mandatory two-factor authentication and biometric verification for sensitive discussions. However, critics argue these measures fail to address the fundamental risk of using consumer-grade apps for national security matters. The House Intelligence Committee has scheduled hearings to examine whether current policies adequately protect operational integrity.