Significant Security Breach: Journalist Added to Trump’s Yemen Attack Chat

The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a secure chat discussing U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen. This breach involved detailed operational plans and raised significant concerns regarding national security protocols. Responses from officials varied, with attempts to downplay the breach amid calls for oversight and implications of operational failures.

Recently, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, recounted a significant security lapse when he was accidentally added to a text group discussing U.S. military operations against Houthi forces in Yemen. The group included high-ranking officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance, and the discussions contained detailed operational plans that, although not published in the article, indicated serious breaches of protocol given the administration’s commitment to counteract leaks.

Goldberg initially received a connection request from an account later identified as belonging to U.S. National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. Upon joining, he discovered discussions about imminent strikes on Houthi targets, which are vital to the stability of commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The discussions became so detailed that sensitive information regarding targets and weaponry was shared, showcasing the gravity of the breach.

The conversation revealed internal disagreements among officials. For instance, Vice President Vance expressed his concerns over the potential inconsistencies of the strikes with President Trump’s public stance on Europe, cautioning of possible consequences such as spikes in oil prices. This stance was dismissed by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, who reiterated the President’s directive to proceed.

Trump responded to inquiries about the incident, asserting his lack of awareness regarding the breach, while his spokesperson maintained the President’s confidence in his security team. Defense Secretary Hegseth attempted to downplay the situation, declaring that no war plans were exchanged, despite the detailed discussions that transpired.

The White House National Security Council acknowledged the authenticity of the messages and initiated a review of the circumstances surrounding the inclusion of an unintended contact in the group. They claimed that the messages did not endanger servicemembers or national security, highlighting policy coordination.

However, this incident raises concerns over operational security, particularly given Hegseth’s previous remarks about maintaining OPSEC. Furthermore, the use of Signal for government communications infringes on regulations designed to safeguard classified information, as the application is not authorized for such purposes.

The case has attracted political scrutiny, prompting calls for oversight hearings from Democratic lawmakers. House Speaker Mike Johnson defended Waltz, while Senator Jack Reed highlighted the incident as a severe operational security failure. Ultimately, the U.S. strikes against the Houthis were conducted shortly after the leaked discussions, marking a notable escalation in military actions amidst regional tensions following the October 7 attacks on Israel.

In conclusion, the unintentional inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg in a sensitive military discussion signifies serious operational security failures within the Trump administration. This incident not only reflects poorly on the adherence to military communication protocols but also raises critical questions about the management of classified information. The incident emphasizes the unpredictable consequences of missteps in national security communications and highlights the need for stringent oversight.

Original Source: www.business-standard.com