In an article published on Monday, Jeffrey Goldberg, Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, revealed that he was inadvertently included in a group chat on the encrypted messaging app Signal. This chat involved top officials, including U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, discussing imminent airstrikes in Yemen, giving Goldberg knowledge of these strikes hours before their execution.
National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed the authenticity of the group chat, which included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and national security adviser Mike Waltz. Hughes stated that the officials are reviewing how Goldberg’s number was added to the chat.
Here are some reactions to the security breach from key Republican and Democratic figures.
Trump
The U.S. president initially insisted he was unaware of the leak and expressed his disdain for The Atlantic, stating, “I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic. To me, it’s a magazine that is going out of business. I know nothing about it. You’re saying that they had what?”
A statement from White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt later reiterated Trump’s “utmost confidence” in his national security team.
Hegseth
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed The Atlantic’s portrayal of the incident, despite the White House confirming the chat. He criticized Goldberg as a “deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist who’s made a profession of peddling hoaxes,” insisting that no war plans were being texted.
US House Speaker Mike Johnson
House Speaker Mike Johnson downplayed the incident, expecting the Trump administration to prevent similar breaches. He emphasized that “they were trying to do a good job” and the mission was accomplished “with precision.”
US Senate Majority Leader John Thune
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a South Dakota Republican, acknowledged awareness of the situation and pledged to investigate with his colleagues.
US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries denounced the leak, calling it “completely outrageous” and criticizing the administration’s handling of national security. He urged Republicans to join Democrats in a thorough investigation.
US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer branded the leak as one of the “most stunning breaches of military intelligence” he had witnessed, highlighting the severe risks of discussing sensitive military actions over an unauthorized app.
Republican Senator Roger Wicker
Senator Roger Wicker foresaw classified briefings on the leak, expressing concern and acknowledgment of the mistakes made.
Democratic Senator Jack Reed
Senator Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Armed Services Committee, condemned the leak as a “gross failure of operational security and common sense,” emphasizing the endangerment of American lives and his intention to seek immediate answers from the administration.
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whose 2016 presidential campaign faced scrutiny over her handling of sensitive information, expressed disbelief on social media, stating, “You have got to be kidding me.”
