Trump Administration Faces Backlash After US Officials Share Classified Yemen Strike Details with Journalist

On March 24, 2025, a stunning security breach rocked the Trump administration when it was revealed that top US officials inadvertently shared classified details of military strikes against Yemen with a journalist. The incident, reported by The Atlantic's editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, has sparked outrage across political lines and raised serious questions about the administration’s handling of sensitive national security information.

The controversy erupted when Goldberg disclosed that he was accidentally added to a Signal group chat named "Houthi PC small group" on March 13, 2025. This encrypted messaging app, typically used for secure communications, included high-ranking officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. According to Goldberg, Hegseth shared precise operational details about imminent US strikes on Yemen’s Houthi rebels, including targets, weapons, and timing, just hours before the attacks commenced on March 15.

Goldberg recounted receiving a connection request on Signal from an account appearing to belong to Waltz on March 11. Two days later, he found himself in an 18-person chat where senior officials openly discussed military plans. Initially skeptical, Goldberg suspected a disinformation campaign. However, his doubts vanished when explosions rocked Yemen’s capital, Sanaa, aligning perfectly with the timeline outlined in the chat.

While Goldberg refrained from publishing the specifics of the operational plans, he emphasized their sensitivity. "The information, if read by an adversary, could have been used to harm American military personnel," he wrote. The leaked details included attack sequencing and weapons packages, underscoring the gravity of the security lapse.

The revelation triggered swift condemnation from lawmakers. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer labeled it "one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence" in recent memory, demanding a full congressional investigation. Even some Republicans expressed concern, with House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledging the need to "track down" how the error occurred, though he downplayed its significance.

President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters, claimed ignorance of the incident, stating, "I don’t know anything about it. I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic." The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed the chat’s authenticity, with spokesman Brian Hughes noting they were reviewing how Goldberg’s number was added. Hughes defended the administration, arguing the thread showcased "thoughtful policy coordination" and that the strikes’ success proved no harm was done.

Defense Secretary Hegseth dismissed the allegations, telling reporters in Hawaii, "Nobody was texting war plans." He attacked Goldberg’s credibility without directly refuting the report’s specifics. Meanwhile, Vice President Vance’s spokesman insisted he "unequivocally supports" the administration’s foreign policy, despite messages suggesting Vance had reservations about the strikes’ timing.

The use of Signal, a commercial app not hosted on secure government servers, to discuss classified military operations has alarmed security experts. Former intelligence officials called it a "total breakdown" in protocol, potentially violating the Espionage Act and federal record-keeping laws. The incident echoes past controversies, such as Trump’s criticism of Hillary Clinton’s private email server, adding a layer of irony to the situation.

The strikes targeted Houthi rebels, an Iran-backed group disrupting Red Sea shipping lanes in solidarity with Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. A Houthi official reported 53 deaths from the March 15 attacks, intensifying tensions. The leak could further complicate diplomatic efforts, especially as officials discussed charging Europe for US protection of these lanes, a move Vance appeared to oppose.

As the White House scrambles to contain the fallout, questions linger about accountability and whether new communication protocols will be enforced. With Democrats pushing for probes and the administration defending its team, this breach could have lasting repercussions for Trump’s national security credibility.