Inadvertent Addition of Journalist to Classified Trump Chat Raises Security Concerns
Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic was mistakenly added to a classified chat with Trump officials discussing U.S. military actions in Yemen, raising serious concerns about national security protocol violations. Discussions included sensitive details, and the use of Signal for official communications has drawn criticism. The incident could lead to significant scrutiny and possible consequences for those involved.
In a significant oversight, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a classified Signal chat group used by high-ranking officials from the Trump administration. This group, named “Houthi PC small group,” engaged in discussions regarding sensitive military plans related to potential U.S. strikes on Yemen, which raises serious questions about handling sensitive national security communications within the administration.
Goldberg became aware of the error after a connection request from someone identified as “Michael Waltz,” presumed to be Trump’s national security adviser. Shortly thereafter, he was added to the chat involving notable figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Vice President JD Vance, where classified policy matters were discussed.
The exchanges included critical details about the military operation, with Hegseth providing specific information on weaponry, intended targets, and timing of the attacks. Notably, Vice President Vance articulated concerns regarding the economic risks and possible spikes in oil prices, indicating, “There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary,” while Hegseth argued for immediate action to deter threats from Iran-backed Houthis.
Goldberg remained an unnoticed participant until the timing of the military operation was disclosed. On March 15, at 11:44 a.m., Hegseth shared the war plan, noting that the first bombs would be deployed at 1:45 p.m. Eastern time. Explosions in Yemen were reported merely two hours later, raising alarms regarding the operational security of such discussions.
Following his departure from the group, Goldberg reached out for a comment, and National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes acknowledged the validity of the chat, stating, “This appears to be an authentic message chain, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.” Security experts have voiced concerns over the administration’s dubious management of classified data.
The utilization of Signal, despite its encryption, for military operation coordination, might have contravened the Espionage Act and federal records regulations. Jason R. Baron, a former director at the National Archives, remarked, “All government employees are prohibited from using electronic-messaging applications such as Signal for official business unless those messages are promptly forwarded or copied to an official government account.”
Goldberg also implied that the officials involved may face repercussions for their negligence in safeguarding classified information, especially given the potential violations related to Signal’s disappearing messages feature. He suggested this incident bears similarities to past controversies involving Trump, such as his comments regarding Hillary Clinton’s email practices.
The ramifications of this security breach are poised to cast a long shadow over the Trump administration’s security practices, highlighting the risks associated with potential violations of national security protocols. As investigations continue, there is growing unease regarding how a journalist was inadvertently allowed entry into such sensitive national security discussions.
The inadvertent addition of Jeffrey Goldberg to a classified military chat raises significant concerns regarding the handling of sensitive national security information by Trump administration officials. This incident highlights potential legal consequences, as well as violations of security protocols. With investigations underway, the ramifications of this security breach could have far-reaching effects, intensifying scrutiny on the administration’s operational practices and protocols surrounding classified communications.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
Post Comment