Trump officials mistakenly add journalist to chat about Yemen bombing plans

In an unprecedented revelation, senior officials within the Trump administration were involved in a serious lapse of operational security when a journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently added to an encrypted group chat discussing potential bombings of Houthi targets in Yemen. The group chat, known as "Houthi PC small group", comprised high-ranking officials including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. As tensions rose in the region, this chat facilitated crucial discussions about military operations, with members debating whether the United States should conduct strikes against the Houthis—a Yemeni rebel group. Reportedly, this chat took place weeks prior, around early March 2025, coinciding with mounting concerns over Houthi threats to American vessels. During the chat, some officials expressed doubts about the timing of military actions, suggesting that delaying the strikes might allow for better strategic positioning and messaging. However, discussions eventually led to a consensus favoring immediate action. Concern over operational security was raised given this group's use of Signal, an encrypted messaging app not authorized for sensitive military communications. Importantly, during the conversation, Hegseth shared specific details regarding operational plans, including target information and planned timelines for the strikes, which could have posed significant risks if intercepted by adversaries. The unfolding events drew criticism from various lawmakers, including Republican and Democratic members of Congress who questioned the judgment of those involved in such discussions via unsecured platforms. National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes confirmed the authenticity of the chat, affirming that an inadvertent number had joined the chain and assuring that they were working to evaluate the situation. Furthermore, the President, when asked about the incident, appeared uninformed, indicating it was news to him, while also expressing his lack of fondness for the outlet that reported the issue—The Atlantic. As details surrounding coups and threats by the Houthis lingered, the subsequent military operations were conducted, marking a critical phase in U.S. foreign policy. This incident underscores the delicate balance between operational security and effective communication within government agencies, as evidenced by the immediate and far-reaching implications of the discussions that transpired in a mere messaging thread. Lawmakers are now anticipated to further scrutinize this incident, calling for accountability and clarity in the procedures for discussing military operations to prevent future breaches.