Unexpected Access: Jeffrey Goldberg’s Signal Chat with National Security Officials

On March 15, 2023, President Trump ordered military strikes against Houthi forces in Yemen. An unexpected Signal message from Michael Waltz led journalist Jeffrey Goldberg into a discussion about sensitive military strategies. Despite initial skepticism, Goldberg found himself privy to high-level national security conversations, a rarity for journalists. This incident illustrates the evolving dynamics of information sharing in international military contexts.

On March 15, following Iranian support for Yemen’s Houthis, President Donald Trump authorized military strikes against them. This development stemmed from a routine communication on the Signal app when Jeffrey Goldberg, an Israel-American journalist and editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, received a connection request from Michael Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, on March 11. This unexpected interaction led Goldberg into a realm of sensitive military strategies pertaining to Yemen.

Initially skeptical about the authenticity of the request due to the tense relationship between the Trump administration and the media, Goldberg ultimately accepted in hopes of discussing pressing international issues like Ukraine or Iran. However, two days later, he was unexpectedly added to a Signal group chat named “Houthi PC small group.”

Goldberg noted the significance of the group’s title, indicating potential discussions on crucial topics related to the Houthi movement. At 4:28 PM, he received a message from Waltz outlining plans for a coordination group focused on the Houthis over the ensuing 72 hours, confirming the seriousness of the conversation. The message indicated a structured effort involving high-ranking officials planned to convene for military strategy planning.

The terminology used in the communications, including references to a “principals committee,” typically denotes a gathering of senior national security officials. Goldberg expressed his shock, as such exclusive dialogues seldom involve journalists, particularly through a commercial messaging platform like Signal.

The interaction between Jeffrey Goldberg and national security adviser Michael Waltz provides a remarkable insight into how digital communication platforms can unexpectedly expose journalists to sensitive military discussions. The proceedings surrounding the Houthi conflict highlight the intricacies of information dissemination and raise questions on the engagement of media personnel within high-level strategic dialogues, suggesting a shift in traditional protocols.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com