Trump Backs National Security Advisor Waltz Amid Signal Text Leak Controversy

In a recent press meeting, President Donald Trump expressed strong support for National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, following scrutiny over a significant leak involving sensitive communications. The incident stems from staff members inadvertently including Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, in a Signal group chat concerning national security matters.

The group chat, which featured discussions led by Secretary of State Pete Hegseth and others, included sensitive war strategies related to Houthi fighters in Yemen. This oversight has sparked outrage and concern regarding the administration’s handling of national security communications.

Details of the Signal Chat Leak

Goldberg’s unexpected inclusion in the Signal chat, referred to as the “Houthi PC Small Group,” happened earlier in March. This allowed him access to privileged information about military operations, including a preview of imminent attacks on Houthi positions. Goldberg later detailed his experience in an article, describing how he waited in a supermarket parking lot, anticipating explosions based on the disclosed military timeline.

Goldberg reported, “According to the lengthy Hegseth text, the first detonations in Yemen would be felt two hours hence, at 1:45 p.m. eastern time.” His subsequent searches confirmed that explosions were indeed occurring in Sanaa, the capital city of Yemen, just moments later.

While the leak did not compromise the military’s planned operations, it raised significant concerns about the security protocols in place. Critics, alongside supporters of the administration, voiced unease over the implications of such breaches on national security.