Special Poll
Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was unexpectedly included in a Trump administration group chat that discussed war plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Initially invited by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, the chat also involved Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth who shared sensitive information about the upcoming attacks, including weapons and timing details. Other high-ranking officials like Vice President Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe participated in these discussions.
The incident has exposed a significant security lapse, raising concerns about the use of non-secure platforms like Signal for discussing classified operations. The conversations included strategic military details about strikes planned to commence on March 15, which Goldberg recognized as credible when predictions about the attacks’ timing proved accurate.
This blunder is part of a larger narrative where Trump officials, including Defense Secretary Hegseth, have been criticized for their handling of sensitive information. Despite the gravity of the situation, some discussions in the group also revolved around political messaging and concerns about potential backlash from European allies.
The leak has triggered outrage from various political figures. Senate Armed Services Ranking Member Jack Reed labeled it one of the most serious security failures he had witnessed, highlighting the risk it posed to American lives. Representative Seth Moulton condemned the incompetence displayed, suggesting it could have endangered Americans, and called for accountability.
This incident comes amid another controversy involving Trump, who is now embroiled in an “Easter Scandal” for allegedly disgracing the tradition. His administration’s decision to seek corporate sponsorships for the White House Easter Egg Roll has been criticized for commercializing a cherished public event, further complicating his administration’s ethical challenges.