The Atlantic has released explosive new excerpts from a Signal group chat involving senior Trump administration officials, revealing sensitive details surrounding military operations in Yemen. This challenges the administration’s denial of wrongdoing and intensifies scrutiny over the handling of classified and national security information.
The controversy erupted after National Security Adviser Michael Waltz mistakenly added The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a private Signal group chat. The chat included top officials such as Vice President J.D. Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Unaware of Goldberg’s accidental inclusion, the group discussed pending military strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen. On March 15, Hegseth allegedly shared operational specifics, including the timing of F-18 fighter jet deployments and designated strike targets. Goldberg, who did not participate in the chat, later revealed the incident in a detailed report, sparking immediate backlash.
The Trump administration responded quickly, denying that any classified data was leaked.
“Nobody was texting war plans,” Hegseth told reporters, downplaying the nature of the communications.
However, The Atlantic’s subsequent publication of full chat transcripts contradicted these denials. The messages included precise strike details, types of munitions, and strategic military objectives—raising alarms over potential violations of federal laws.
The release has triggered concerns from legal experts and lawmakers about the implications for national security. Experts cite potential violations of the Espionage Act and the Federal Records Act, particularly due to the use of a non-government, encrypted messaging app for high-level military discussions.
Democratic leaders are demanding a full investigation, with several calling for resignations. Surprisingly, Republican Senator Roger Wicker joined the call, urging a bipartisan inquiry to preserve trust in government operations.
As investigations loom, the Trump administration faces growing pressure to address transparency and accountability concerns.
