The Atlantic Exposes Military Plans Through Signal Chat Transcription
The Atlantic revealed U.S. military plans in a Signal chat featuring Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The conversation included details of strikes in Yemen but did not specify targets. While officials assert no classified information was shared, the incident has sparked scrutiny and calls for accountability among lawmakers. The situation raises critical questions about national security practices and communication protocols within the government.
On Wednesday, The Atlantic published transcripts from a Signal group chat wherein U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed military strike plans in Yemen. This sensitive information was inadvertently shared with Jeffrey Goldberg, the magazine’s editor-in-chief. The published article detailed specifics about the military aircraft involved and the timing of airstrikes but refrained from naming specific targets.
The text messages indicated operational details such as the launch of F-18s and “Trigger Based” F-18 strike windows. In the context of this conversation, Goldberg and Shane Harris, a national security reporter, wrote following an administration attempt to downplay the significance of this information.
President Trump commented that the information was not classified, while Hegseth denied discussing war plans via text. In a Senate Intelligence Committee testimony, both National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe supported claims that no classified information was part of the chat. Ratcliffe further affirmed that the communications were permissible under law.
Goldberg and Harris specified the public interest in disclosure, suggesting the need for transparency amid assertions that the messages were not significant. Former national security officials noted that details regarding military operations should typically be classified, although they could not comment on the specific content of the Signal chat.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed The Atlantic’s claims, emphasizing that no classified information was communicated. The National Security Council’s review into how Goldberg was added to the group chat underscores the incident’s unusual nature, given the platform’s intended use.
Goldberg expressed initial doubts about the authenticity of the chat, suspecting it may be a disinformation tactic but later confirmed its validity after observing its contents. This incident has spurred serious discussions among Democratic lawmakers raising concerns over national security, leading to calls for the resignations of Hegseth and National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.
Senator Dick Durbin remarked on the gravity of the situation, asserting that misleading information was presented to Congress. Senate Committee Chair Roger Wicker expressed the need for an expedited investigation into the matter, echoing concerns regarding the sensitivity of the information shared in the chat.
Gabbard reiterated her stance that the leaked chat was a mistake while affirming that no classified material was included. Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized the chat’s purpose as coordinating responses prior to notifying authorities outside the group, reinforcing claims that the Pentagon deemed no risks were posed by the information shared.
The publication of sensitive military communication by The Atlantic has elicited widespread reactions and controversy surrounding the nature of information exchanged in governmental channels. While officials maintain that no classified information was shared, the discussions have raised legitimate concerns regarding the handling of national security matters and the implications of such disclosures. Ongoing inquiries and demands for accountability reflect the gravity of the situation, underscoring the importance of transparency and security in governmental operations.
Original Source: www.nbcnews.com
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