The Trump administration is facing intense scrutiny after it was revealed that a journalist was mistakenly added to an unsecure group chat where senior US national security officials discussed military strike plans on Yemen.
According to The Atlantic, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was inadvertently added to a Signal messaging group that included Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. He reportedly saw classified details of US airstrikes on Houthi rebels, including weapons packages, target locations, and timing, two hours before the bombs struck.
Critics Demand Investigation into Security Lapse
The leak has triggered widespread criticism from opposition Democrats and raised concerns among some Republicans.
“If they were going to pick an errant phone number, at least it wasn’t someone who supported the Houthis, because they were actually handing out information that I believe could have endangered the lives of American service people involved in that operation,” Goldberg told PBS.
On Monday, President Donald Trump told reporters that he was unaware of the Atlantic report. However, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration’s actions, stating:
“The attacks on the Houthis have been highly successful and effective. President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.”
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth also stood by the military operation but dismissed Goldberg as a “deceitful and highly discredited journalist.”
Congressional Response and National Security Concerns
While House Speaker Mike Johnson called the security lapse a “mistake,” he defended the officials involved, saying the chat reflected “top-level officials doing their job, doing it well.”
However, Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer demanded a full investigation, calling the leak one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence in recent memory. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) confirmed that his panel will look into the issue, acknowledging that “mistakes were made.”
Vice President Vance Expresses Dissent Over Strike Timing
The leaked messages also revealed that Vice President JD Vance had expressed concerns about the timing of the strike, fearing a potential spike in oil prices.
“I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now,” the Vance account reportedly wrote on March 14.
“There’s a further risk that we see a moderate to severe spike in oil prices. I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself. But there is a strong argument for delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where the economy is, etc.”
A spokesperson for Vice President Vance later stated that he “unequivocally supports this administration’s foreign policy” and has since discussed the matter with President Trump, ensuring that they are in “complete agreement.”
National Security Council Confirms Authenticity of Messages
National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes confirmed the authenticity of the messages, stating:
“At this time, the message thread that was reported appears to be authentic. We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.”
“The thread is a demonstration of the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials.”
Officials Criticize Europe’s Role in Security Efforts
The leaked messages also included strong criticism of European allies for their perceived reliance on US military protection of key shipping lanes.
“Whether it’s now or several weeks from now, it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes,” an account associated with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz reportedly wrote on March 14.
“At President Trump’s request, his team is working with the Defense and State Departments to determine how to compile the cost associated and levy them on the Europeans.”
At one point, Vice President Vance reportedly wrote, “I just hate bailing Europe out again.” To which Defense Secretary Hegseth responded: “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Implications for US Foreign Policy and National Security
This unprecedented security lapse raises serious concerns about the handling of classified military intelligence, the Trump administration’s approach to international diplomacy, and the internal cohesion of the White House’s national security team.
As the US continues military operations in Yemen, questions remain about how this breach occurred, its potential impact on national security, and whether reforms will be implemented to prevent similar incidents in the future.