The White House has confirmed that a journalist was unintentionally added to an unsecured group chat where U.S. national security officials discussed a military strike in Yemen.
Jeffrey Goldberg from The Atlantic reported that he was included in a Signal messaging group featuring officials such as Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Goldberg noted that he viewed classified military plans regarding U.S. strikes on Houthi rebels, including specific details about weapons, targets, and timing—just two hours prior to the launch of the first bombs.
Goldberg received the connection request on Signal from someone who appeared to be National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. President Donald Trump commented on the situation, stating he was unaware of the Atlantic article.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “The attacks on the Houthis have been highly successful and effective,” while the U.S. launched a series of air strikes against the Houthi forces on March 15, claiming them to be “decisive and powerful.”
In a recent communication, while sitting in a supermarket parking lot, Goldberg monitored discussions about the planned strikes on Signal. After checking updates on X, he saw reports confirming explosions in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.
The National Security Council has not denied the authenticity of the messaging thread, with spokesman Brian Hughes stating they are investigating how the journalist was added. “At this time, the message thread that was reported appears to be authentic,” Hughes said.
During the discussions, messages from the chat indicated concerns about the potential impact of U.S. actions on oil prices and emphasized the necessity of involving European nations in financing the protection of key shipping lanes. Democratic lawmakers have since called for an investigation, with Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeling it “one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence” in recent memory.
Credit: BBC News
