In a striking revelation that has raised eyebrows across the political sphere, US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has publicly taken responsibility for a recent leak involving a Signal group chat. This chat reportedly included high-ranking officials discussing sensitive military strikes in Yemen, alongside an unexpectedly added journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg from Atlantic magazine. The flurry of concern has drawn the attention of both Democrats and some Republicans, prompting calls for a thorough investigation into what many are classifying as a serious breach of protocol.
During an interview with Fox News, Waltz expressed his dismay, stating, “I take full responsibility. I built the group,” labeling the situation as “embarrassing.” However, President Donald Trump, who has weighed in on the matter, downplayed the incident, referring to it as a “glitch” with no significant operational repercussions. Trump went on to assert that no classified materials had been shared, aligning with the assessments of US intelligence chiefs who have echoed this sentiment.
Goldberg, who unwittingly joined the chat, reported witnessing classified military plans for strikes just two hours before their execution. He confirmed that sensitive details outlining weapon packages, specific targets, and tactical timings were visible but withheld from publication. Waltz attempted to address the confusion, stating that he was not familiar with Goldberg and claimed that another member was meant to be in his place instead.
This incident has elicited reactions from notable figures across the spectrum. Tulsi Gabbard, the US Director of National Intelligence, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe also testified in a Senate hearing, affirming that no classified information had passed through the chat. Nevertheless, Mark Warner, a Democratic senator, highlighted the situation as indicative of gross incompetence within the Trump administration’s national security strategy.
As investigations loom and speculation mounts, the implications of this chat leak remain uncertain. Waltz has sought help from tech experts, including Elon Musk, to ascertain how the journalist was erroneously included in the sensitive discussion. Despite Trump’s assurances and dismissals, the incident raises ongoing questions about the handling and security of classified information in a digital era.