Washington, March 25 — Top Trump administration officials inadvertently shared classified US war plans in an encrypted Signal group that included a journalist, prompting a White House investigation, officials said Monday.
The breach occurred just before the US launched military strikes against Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis on March 15.
The Atlantic first reported the incident, revealing that its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was unexpectedly added to the chat group—dubbed “Houthi PC small group”—on March 13.
In the group, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz instructed his deputy, Alex Wong, to form a “tiger team” to coordinate the US response to the Houthis.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth later posted sensitive operational details, including targets, weaponry, and attack sequencing.
While Goldberg withheld the specifics, he described the leak as a “shockingly reckless” use of an unsecure app.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed the group appeared legitimate. “We are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain,” he said.
However, Hughes downplayed security concerns, saying the incident “demonstrates the deep and thoughtful policy coordination between senior officials” and insisted there was “no threat to our servicemembers or national security.”
Hegseth denied disclosing classified information. “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that,” he told reporters in Hawaii. Goldberg dismissed the denial, telling CNN, “No, that’s a lie. He was texting war plans.”
EU Criticism and Internal Disputes
Screenshots published by The Atlantic revealed that Vice President JD Vance questioned whether US allies in Europe, more vulnerable to Red Sea shipping disruptions, deserved American military support.
“I just hate bailing Europe out again,” Vance allegedly wrote, urging the group to ensure their “messaging is tight.” Hegseth reportedly replied, “VP: I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Vance also raised concerns about the timing of the strikes, suggesting a one-month delay could prevent oil price spikes and align better with Trump’s stance on Europe.
Democratic lawmakers swiftly condemned the breach as a national security violation. “This is one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence that I have read about in a very, very long time,” Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer said, calling for a congressional probe.
Republican Majority Leader John Thune supported the investigation. “We’ve got to run it to ground and figure out what went on there. We’ll have a plan,” he said.
Senator Elizabeth Warren called the use of Signal to discuss sensitive matters “blatantly illegal and dangerous beyond belief,” while Senator Chris Coons claimed all officials involved “have now committed a crime – even if accidentally – that would normally involve a jail sentence.”
President Trump distanced himself from the incident. “I don’t know anything about it. I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic,” he told reporters. A White House official later confirmed Trump had been briefed and ordered an internal review.
Despite the uproar, there were no immediate signs of staffing changes. “President Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.
