A journalist received a White House group chat invite discussing US military strikes. The chat revealed sensitive discussions on Yemen operations.
The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg Joins ‘Houthi PC Small Group’
On 13 March, The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg received an unexpected invite to a Signal chat. The group, named “Houthi PC small group,” included top US national security officials.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed the chat appeared authentic. Officials, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, participated.
Figure 1: Reactions to the strikes in the Group
Accidental Exposure of Military Strike Plans
Goldberg reported that Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth posted operational details before US strikes in Yemen on 15 March. The chat contained target locations, weaponry, and attack sequencing.
Hegseth denied the allegations. “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that,” he stated. Goldberg countered, “No, that’s a lie. He was texting war plans.”
Figure 2: Leaked Chats of operational details posted by Pete Hegseth
Discussions on European Involvement and Oil Prices
The chat logs revealed US officials debated the timing of the strikes. A person identified as Vance expressed hesitation.
“I just hate bailing Europe out again,” he wrote.
Hegseth responded, “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Vance later questioned whether the strikes aligned with US policy and their potential impact on oil prices.
Figure 3: Discussion on European involvement and oil prices
Trump’s Response and White House Reactions
President Donald Trump dismissed the controversy.
“I don’t know anything about it. I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic,” he told reporters.
House Speaker Mike Johnson played down concerns.
“We’ll tighten up and make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.
Calls for Investigation and Legal Violations
Democratic lawmakers demanded an investigation. Former Defense Department special counsel Ryan Goodman called the situation “grossly negligent.”
Goodman stated that the mishandling of classified information could violate the Espionage Act.
“If this were lower-level officials, I am sure they would be looking into this,” he added.
Security Risks and Legal Implications
Former senior intelligence official Beth Sanner warned of national security risks.
“Instead of asking how the journalist got on, maybe they should ask why they were on this,” she said.
Experts criticised the use of Signal for classified discussions. Secure facilities like the White House Situation Room remained unused.
Implications for the Trump Administration
Critics accused Trump’s administration of prioritising loyalty over expertise. Hegseth, a former Fox News anchor, lacked prior military leadership experience.
Trump remained supportive of his team. He had no White plans to remove Mike Waltz, the official who mistakenly invited Goldberg.
Contrast with Previous Security Controversies
Trump previously faced scrutiny for handling classified documents. In 2021, he was charged with storing sensitive materials at Mar-a-Lago.
In his first term, he shared classified intelligence with Russian officials. His administration condemned Hillary Clinton’s use of a private email server for government communication.
Republican Reactions and Political Fallout
Most Republican lawmakers downplayed the issue.
Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville dismissed concerns. “We all make mistakes,” he said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune promised White oversight. “We will figure out what went on,” he stated.
Democratic Criticism and Calls for Accountability
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries criticised Hegseth’s leadership.
“The secretary of defence has got to be the most unqualified person ever to lead the Pentagon,” he said.
Democratic Senator Chris Coons called for immediate hearings.
“There should be oversight and accountability,” he told CNN.
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Potential Impact on US Allies and Military Operations
The leaked discussions raised concerns about US foreign relations. The chat indicated internal disagreements over supporting European allies.
Officials debated whether US strikes should be reimbursed.
Stephen Miller, a senior White House official, suggested Europe should pay for the operation’s benefits.
Trump’s Stance and Future Actions
Trump remained defiant. He expressed disdain for White Goldberg’s reporting. The White House did not issue an official explanation for the Signal chat.
The administration maintained its position. No resignations or firings were announced following the security breach.
