In a surprising turn of events, U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has accepted full responsibility for a mishap that inadvertently added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a confidential group chat discussing imminent strikes against Yemen's Houthi rebels.
The incident unfolded when a connection request via the encrypted messaging app Signal led Goldberg into an 18-member discussion with top U.S. officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance. Initially dismissing the event as a hoax, Goldberg soon recognized the gravity of the situation when operational details about pending air strikes emerged and were later acted upon in Yemen.
During his first interview on the matter with Fox News, Waltz stated, "I take full responsibility. I built the group; my job is to make sure everything's coordinated," and clarified that he did not personally know Goldberg. An investigation has been launched to determine exactly how the breach occurred.
In contrast, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed the security oversight in a phone interview with NBC News. Trump described the entry of Goldberg as a mere "glitch" resulting from a staffer's error, while emphasizing that no classified information was disclosed. "Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he's a good man," Trump added, reinforcing his view that the incident had no operational impact.
The breach has ignited heated discussions among lawmakers. During a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, senators expressed concerns over the likelihood that sensitive details—such as targets, weapon deployments, and strike sequencing—could have been exposed. Independent Senator Angus King and other committee members voiced skepticism regarding the handling of the confidential information, prompting calls for a thorough audit of the chat communications.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges inherent in managing secure digital communications. As federal investigations and Senate reviews continue, the episode underscores the need for rigorous oversight in an era where even a minor digital misstep can have wide-reaching implications for national security.
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Waltz takes responsibility for Yemen chat leak, Trump downplays impact
cgtn.com
