Top US Officials Accidentally Share Yemen War Plans with Journalist on Signal
US Administration Accidentally Leaks Yemen War Plans in Secure Messaging App Chat
March 24, 2025, Washington D.C. — In a shocking and highly embarrassing error, members of the Trump administration mistakenly shared sensitive military plans regarding upcoming strikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen via the encrypted messaging app Signal. The security breach came to light after Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, revealed that he had been added to a group chat intended for high-level national security discussions.
The messaging chain, which involved key figures such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, included the details of a “tiger team” being formed to coordinate U.S. military efforts against the Houthi group. Despite Signal’s encryption, the platform is not approved for sharing classified national security information, raising serious concerns over the mishandling of sensitive data.
The Signal Leak: A Mistaken Invitation to a Journalist
According to Goldberg, on March 13, he received an unexpected invitation to join a group chat on Signal called “Houthi PC small group”. The chat was created to coordinate the Trump administration’s military efforts in Yemen, and its inclusion of a journalist was a critical mistake. Goldberg explained that within the chat, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz instructed his deputy, Alex Wong, to assemble a “tiger team” to direct U.S. operations against the Houthis, which included plans for air strikes.
Goldberg said he was “taken aback” by the invitation, noting that it seemed like a gross oversight on the part of those involved in the chat. As the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Goldberg has a significant role in journalism, but this unexpected inclusion in a highly sensitive conversation raised immediate concerns about security protocols within the U.S. government.
Government’s Response: National Security Breach Under Scrutiny
In response to the leak, National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed that the message chain “appears to be authentic.” However, he clarified that an “inadvertent number” had been added to the group chat. The officials involved were reportedly unaware that the message was being shared with a journalist.
Despite the gravity of the error, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth vehemently denied that classified war plans were shared with Goldberg. Speaking at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam in Oahu on March 24, Hegseth called the reports “false” and criticized the journalist, accusing him of “deceitfully” spreading misinformation. Hegseth stated, “No one texted war plans,” adding, “I’ve heard that was characterized, but no one was texting war plans. And that’s all I have to say about that.”
This response has done little to quell the ongoing concerns, with many in the national security community questioning how such a lapse could occur in a secure communication platform meant to shield sensitive information.
Signal App: Encryption vs. Security Risks
Signal, known for its end-to-end encryption, is regarded as one of the most secure messaging platforms available. It has gained popularity among government officials, activists, and journalists due to its high levels of security. However, despite its encrypted nature, Signal is not sanctioned by the U.S. government for the exchange of classified material. This raises questions about why senior officials were using the app to discuss military operations, particularly when other secure channels are available for classified communications.
The breach serves as a stark reminder that even encrypted apps can have vulnerabilities, especially if they are used improperly or outside established protocols. With this incident, questions about the proper handling of classified information within the U.S. government are now under heightened scrutiny.
Top Officials Named in the Leak
The breach also implicates several prominent figures in the Trump administration, including Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard. These officials were reportedly involved in the message chain where military strategies against the Houthis were discussed in detail.
The involvement of such high-ranking figures in the error has only amplified concerns about how this could impact national security. As the individuals involved are key players in U.S. foreign policy and defense, the mishandling of such sensitive plans could potentially expose the country to strategic risks.
A Growing Concern: Missteps in Military Strategy
The leak has not only drawn attention to the use of unsecured communication platforms but has also raised alarms over the administration’s handling of military strategy in Yemen. The U.S. has been involved in Yemen’s ongoing conflict, supporting Saudi Arabia’s efforts against the Houthi rebels. While this is part of the broader U.S. strategy in the region, the mishandling of classified information could undermine the credibility and effectiveness of military operations, especially in volatile regions like the Middle East.
The March 15 announcement by President Donald Trump regarding air strikes in Yemen was reportedly part of the same discussion thread, further emphasizing the high stakes involved. The accidental inclusion of a journalist in the messaging app’s group chat could have jeopardized U.S. military strategies by revealing classified details ahead of time.
Implications for U.S. Security and Future Communication Protocols
As the investigation into this leak continues, the broader implications for U.S. national security remain unclear. Officials are likely to face increased pressure to reform communication protocols within the government, particularly regarding the use of digital platforms like Signal for sensitive discussions.
Security experts argue that the government must ensure stricter guidelines are put in place to prevent such breaches from occurring in the future. This incident could serve as a wake-up call for more robust training on digital security and the handling of classified materials.
Conclusion: A Case for Stronger Cybersecurity Protocols
The accidental sharing of Yemen war plans by top U.S. officials underscores the delicate nature of modern communication in high-stakes military operations. While Signal offers encryption, it is clear that relying on unsecured platforms for sensitive government communications poses significant risks.
As the U.S. government grapples with the fallout from this error, the focus will likely shift to tightening cybersecurity measures and re-evaluating how classified information is shared in the digital age. For now, the leak remains a reminder of the vulnerabilities that even encrypted platforms can harbor.