Journalist Inadvertently Included in Secret National Security Signal Chat About Yemen Airstrike

A prominent journalist was added to a Signal group chat by senior U.S. national security officials. The chat discussed a planned military strike on the Houthis in Yemen, making the journalist aware of the airstrike plan hours before the operation.

The editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, Jeffrey Goldberg, detailed the events. He received a connection request on Signal from a user named Michael Waltz, the name of the U.S. National Security Advisor. Initially, Goldberg was unsure if it was the official's actual account.

Two days later, Goldberg was added to a group chat titled "Houthi PC Small Group." A message from "Michael Waltz" introduced the group as a coordination effort regarding the Houthis, particularly for the next three days. The term "principals committee" typically refers to senior national security officials.

Goldberg initially doubted the authenticity of the group chat, finding it hard to believe that U.S. national security leadership would discuss imminent war plans on Signal. He also questioned why the National Security Advisor would include him in such discussions with senior officials.

However, as the conversation continued, Goldberg began to believe the group was genuine. The chat included operational details of forthcoming strikes on Yemen, including target information, weapons, and attack sequencing.

After the airstrikes occurred at the time predicted in the group chat, Goldberg contacted U.S. officials in the chat to verify its authenticity and inquire about his inclusion. The National Security Council spokesman, Brian Hughes, responded that it appeared to be a genuine message chain and that they were reviewing how an unintended number was added.

U.S. President Donald Trump stated he was unaware of the incident. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed the President's confidence in his national security team. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth denied that war plans were being texted and criticized Goldberg.

The incident drew significant concern and criticism. Senator Jack Reed called it an egregious failure of operational security and common sense. Senator Reed stated that military operations require utmost discretion and secure communication, and that the carelessness was stunning and dangerous. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called the incident "amateur behavior" and called for a full investigation.