Trump Administration Officials Accidentally Leak Yemen War Plans to Journalist
In a significant security breach, top officials from the Trump administration inadvertently shared sensitive military plans for airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen with Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, through a group chat on the Signal messaging app. The incident, which occurred just hours before the U.S. launched its offensive on March 15, has sparked outrage and calls for investigations from Democratic lawmakers, who describe it as a breach of national security and a violation of law.
The Leak and Its Implications
Goldberg reported National Security Adviser Mike Waltz added him to the Signal group chat on March 11. The chat, which included high-ranking officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, discussed operational details of the impending military strikes, including targets, weaponry, and attack sequencing.
The White House confirmed the authenticity of the chat, with National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes stating that the message thread "appears to be authentic" and that they are reviewing how Goldberg was added to the group. Despite the administration's efforts to downplay the incident, critics argue that the leak could have compromised the operation and endangered U.S. service members.
Congressional and Public Reaction
Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned the breach, with Rep. Jim Himes, the ranking member on the House Intelligence Committee, expressing horror at the "brazen violation of laws and regulations that exist to protect national security". Rep. Gregory Meeks called for an immediate hearing on what he described as "the most astonishing breach of our national security in recent history".
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who faced criticism for using a private email server, also weighed in, highlighting the irony of the situation. The incident raised questions about the administration's handling of classified information and communication protocols.
Background on U.S. Operations in Yemen
The U.S. has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis since November 2023 in response to their attacks on commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea. The Houthis, backed by Iran, have targeted shipping in protest of Israel's actions in Gaza, leading to significant disruptions in maritime traffic.
President Trump's decision to label the Houthis as a "foreign terrorist organization" earlier this month escalated tensions, prompting the recent military actions. The leaked plans included details of these strikes, which were executed on March 15, resulting in at least 53 casualties, including children, in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa.
Administration's Response
When questioned about the incident, President Trump claimed ignorance, stating, "I don't know anything about it," and expressed his disfavor toward The Atlantic. Defense Secretary Hegseth denied discussing war plans, asserting that the chat demonstrated policy coordination among officials.
The administration has launched an investigation into how Goldberg was added to the chat, with Hughes emphasizing that the ongoing success of the Houthi operation indicates no threats to U.S. servicemembers or national security.
Future Perspective
The incident has raised concerns about the administration's communication channels' security and potential for future leaks. Congressional oversight hearings are expected to examine the implications for national security and the administration's adherence to protocols for handling classified information.
As the investigation unfolds, the Trump administration faces scrutiny over its handling of sensitive military operations and the potential impact on U.S. relations with allies, who may become wary of sharing intelligence in light of this breach. The incident underscores the need for stringent communication protocols and the risks associated with using unclassified platforms for discussing classified matters.