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Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg has publicly refuted claims made by National Security Adviser Mike Waltz that they have never interacted before. This denial follows a recent incident involving a leak from a group chat on Signal, a messaging app commonly used by journalists and government officials.
Goldberg’s response came after Waltz’s remarks regarding the breach and the journalist’s phone number allegedly being added mistakenly to the chat group. In an interview on NBC’s Meet the Press, Goldberg stated, “This isn’t ‘The Matrix’; phone numbers don’t just get sucked into other phones. The most plausible explanation is that my phone number was already in his contacts. It is simply untrue that he hasn’t met or talked to me. That is a fact.”
On March 11, Goldberg detailed a first-person account of receiving a connection request from someone he identified as Trump’s national security advisor, Michael Waltz, on the encrypted messaging service. He accepted the request, which led to his inclusion in a chat titled “Houthi PC Small Group.” In this chat, high-ranking officials from the Trump administration discussed what critics deem a significant error in national security protocol involving plans for an attack on Houthi forces.
Goldberg expressed his thoughts on the unfolding event, mentioning, “I comprehend the motivations behind Waltz’s comments. However, this scenario has turned quite absurd. There is no deception here; my number was simply included by mistake, and that should suffice as an explanation.”
Diving deeper into the nature of the conversations in the group chat, Welker pressed Goldberg on whether he believed the information shared in the discussions was classified. Goldberg answered, emphasizing the gravity of the messages he witnessed during the Saturday morning chat. He described a moment at 11:44 A.M. when he read about U.S. warplanes preparing to launch strikes on enemy targets shielded by anti-aircraft defenses.
Goldberg articulated the seriousness of the situation. He commented, “If that is not classified information, I’m unsure what could be. The safety of American pilots was at risk, and I was startled to see that information shared on a commercial app that anyone could access. Talking about operations after they are completed is one thing, but discussing impending action in real-time is troubling.”
Highlighting the participants in the chat, Goldberg revealed that it comprised 18 members, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Their subsequent discussions centered on attacking the Houthis, a group backed by Iran that has been a significant source of disruption in maritime activities in the Red Sea and trade through vital locations like the Suez Canal.
Goldberg noted that he learned of the scheduled strikes in Yemen on March 15 through postings in the Signal group. He recounted how he remained in his car at a supermarket parking lot, waiting for updates on the Houthi targets, which he suspected would soon be bombed. Less than two hours later, reports emanated from Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, confirming explosions in the area, aligning perfectly with the timeline shared by officials in the chat.
In light of this incident, Goldberg’s statements aim to clarify his involvement and the implications of the information shared on such platforms. He continues to monitor the situation, drawing attention to the potential lapses in security protocols that may arise from informal communication channels used by government officials.
Goldberg’s experience serves as a reminder of the critical need for stringent protocols surrounding national security communications, emphasizing how easily sensitive information can leak through seemingly innocuous means. The ramifications of such uncontrolled disclosures can impact national security and international relations, making this discussion ever more relevant in today’s political climate.
The overwhelming response to this incident showcases the pronounced challenges journalists face as they navigate relationships with government officials while tackling the essence of ethical reporting. With the boundaries between personal and professional interactions constantly changing, achieving a balance becomes vital as we continue to witness the evolving landscape of information sharing in the digital age.
This incident not only highlights potential vulnerabilities inherent in communication tools but also raises awareness about the responsibility of media representatives as they engage in dialogue with those in positions of power. The discussion remains pertinent, particularly as we explore how technology intersects with governance and public accountability.
Report contributed by Fox News’ David Rutz.
