US National Security Group Chat Leaks Strike Plans to Journalist

In a significant breach of protocol, a group chat meant for US national security officials discussing military action against the Houthi rebel group inadvertently included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. The incident, which came to light after airstrikes were conducted, has raised questions about communication practices among high-ranking officials.

The White House has acknowledged an embarrassing oversight where a journalist was mistakenly added to a group chat among US national security officials discussing plans for military strikes against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported that he was included in a Signal messaging group featuring accounts associated with key government figures, including National Security Adviser Michael Waltz and Vice-President JD Vance.

Brian Hughes, a spokesman for the National Security Council, confirmed the authenticity of the chat and noted that an internal review is underway to determine how the journalist was inadvertently added. He referred to the thread as evidence of robust policy coordination among senior officials.

This revelation comes in the wake of a series of US airstrikes described as "decisive and powerful" which were executed against the Houthis on March 15. Goldberg initially received a connection request on Signal, a platform favored for its security features, from an account that appeared to belong to Waltz. Shortly after, he found himself in a group labeled "Houthi PC small group." Other notable personas such as the Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe were also reported to be part of this chat.

As discussions unfolded, the account attributed to Vance suggested concerns regarding President Trump's messaging on European affairs, indicating internal disagreements about the timing of military actions. A spokesperson for Vance later reaffirmed the Vice-President’s full support for the administration's foreign policy.

Goldberg expressed skepticism about the reality of the chat, questioning whether US national security officials would openly communicate sensitive military planning on a platform like Signal. Nonetheless, he reported staying alert to the unfolding conversations and noted that he was parked at a supermarket when the airstrikes were launched, coinciding with reports of explosions in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

Following the strikes, President Trump stated on Truth Social that the Houthis, backed by Iran, posed significant threats to US forces and interests. He called their actions a form of piracy and terrorism that jeopardized lives.

In the aftermath, administration officials, including Hughes and Waltz, spoke to various media outlets emphasizing the severity of the response and the strategic importance of addressing threats from the Houthis and Iranian influence in the region. The discussions within the chat also touched on the potential for European nations to financially support US protection of crucial shipping lanes, hinting at broader international implications stemming from the conflict.