Secret Trump Security Chat Leaks, Journalist Added

Confusion Erupts After Secret Trump Security Meeting Leaks

A wave of confusion has swept across the U.S. political landscape following the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a confidential conversation among members of former President Donald Trump’s national security team.

How Did the Journalist Gain Access?

The incident traces back to March 11, when Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, reported receiving an invitation to join an encrypted messaging platform. The request, he said, came from an account claiming to belong to National Security Advisor Michael Waltz.

The messaging app, popular in Washington for its secure, self-erasing communication features, is widely used by journalists and government officials alike.

Just two days later, Goldberg found himself added to a group chat titled "Houthi PC Small Group." The conversation thread included several accounts that appeared to belong to high-ranking cabinet officials and national security advisers.

Names such as "JD Vance" (Vice President), "Pete Hegseth" (Secretary of Defense), and "John Ratcliffe" (Director of National Intelligence) were visible in the group, alongside senior figures from various intelligence and defense agencies.

Goldberg stated that he observed real-time discussions within the group detailing potential targets and timelines for military action. These deliberations closely aligned with the U.S. airstrikes launched against the Houthi rebels in Yemen on March 15—just days after the group chat exchange.

White House Confirms Unintentional Leak

The White House has since acknowledged that Goldberg was unintentionally added to the chat where sensitive military plans were being discussed.

“At this point, the chain of messages that has been reported appears to be authentic,” said Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, in a statement to the BBC. “We are currently reviewing how an unintended number was added to the thread.”

Hughes further noted that the messages reflected “a highly coordinated and deliberative policy process among senior officials.”

Trump Denies Knowledge of the Breach

Former President Donald Trump, when asked about the breach, claimed complete unawareness.

“I don’t know anything about that,” he told a reporter. “You’re telling me about it for the first time.”

The incident has sparked outrage among various leaders and experts who view the leak as a grave national security lapse, particularly given the strategic nature of the discussions.