White House Refutes Claims of Classified Information Sharing in Yemen Strike Chat
The White House denied claims of shared classified information in an online chat regarding Yemen military strikes, after Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic disclosed his participation. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed no sensitive data was shared. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz accepted responsibility for the incident, while opposition leaders criticized the situation, prompting calls for an investigation.
On March 26, the White House denied allegations regarding the sharing of classified information within an online group chat that involved discussions on military strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This denial followed comments from Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who stated he was part of the conversation prior to its public announcement.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt addressed concerns about a potential security breach, asserting that no classified information was included in the discussion. She stated emphatically, “No war plans were discussed,” maintaining that the chat lacked sensitive content.
Leavitt further remarked that The Atlantic had acknowledged that the conversations did not pertain to any actual war plans, characterizing the entire narrative as a fabrication by critics of former President Trump. She reiterated this framing on social media through a post defending the administration.
In response to the incident, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz accepted accountability, expressing embarrassment and a commitment to investigate the circumstances leading to the leak. He remarked, “I take full responsibility. I built the group…It’s embarrassing.”
Goldberg previously alleged that he joined an encrypted chat on March 13, where discussions reportedly involved specifics regarding the military operation two days prior to the strikes on March 15. This conversation allegedly included information from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance.
The situation has garnered significant criticism from opponents of President Trump, who labeled it a serious security oversight and called for an investigation into Goldberg’s inclusion in the chat. The administration defended its communication protocols, stating that guidance had already been issued regarding secure communications for high-ranking officials. Leavitt also targeted Goldberg for what she described as sensationalism and claimed the Trump administration successfully executed military strikes that eliminated terrorist threats, asserting the administration’s focus is on effective counterterrorism efforts.
In summary, the White House has firmly denied allegations of classified information sharing regarding military operations against the Houthi rebels. The administration, reinforced by statements from its officials, maintains that no sensitive information was disclosed in the online group chat. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has taken responsibility for the incident, while critics demand investigations into the matter, underscoring the ongoing scrutiny faced by the administration.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
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