The Atlantic Releases Entire Signal Chat Showing Hegseth's Detailed Attack Plans
Washington — In a shocking revelation, The Atlantic has released the entire Signal chat between senior national security officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which shows that he provided detailed information about upcoming military strikes against Yemen's Houthis.
The disclosure comes amid intense scrutiny of how classified information ended up on an unclassified Signal chat that included Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt has stated that no classified information was posted to the Signal chat, but The Atlantic's publication raises questions about the administration's claims.
According to sources, Hegseth shared exact timings of warplane launches and when bombs would drop before the men and women flying those attacks were even airborne. This level of detail is typically reserved for top-secret military operations, and its release has sparked outrage among lawmakers.
A Military Secrecy Breach
The chat was notable for who it excluded: the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Adm. Christopher Grady, who is currently serving as the president's top military adviser in an acting capacity. The White House cited policy relevance and staffing needs as reasons for excluding Grady from the discussion.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee on Tuesday that it was up to Hegseth to determine whether the information he posted was classified or not. However, The Atlantic's release suggests that Hegseth may have shared sensitive information without proper clearance.
A Vulnerability in Signal
Signal, an encrypted messaging app used by senior officials, can be vulnerable to hacking. A U.S. official revealed on March 14 that Russia was attempting to hack the app, specifically targeting personnel who use it for classified communications.
A known vulnerability in Signal is that a malicious actor with access to a person's phone can link their device to the user's Signal account and monitor messages remotely in real-time. This raises serious concerns about the security of sensitive information shared on the platform.
Consequences and Fallout
The White House has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with some lawmakers calling for an inspector general investigation into the use of Signal.
Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, plans to send a letter to the Trump administration requesting a classified briefing on the matter. Rhode Island Sen. Jack Reed, the committee's top Democrat, is also expected to participate in this inquiry.
A Statement from Hegseth
Hegseth's spokesman, Sean Parnell, stated that "there were no classified materials or war plans shared" in the Signal chat. He claimed that Hegseth was simply updating the group on a plan that was underway.
However, The Atlantic's release suggests that this may not be entirely accurate, as Hegseth did share detailed information about upcoming military strikes – including the timing of warplane launches and when bombs would drop.
A Lesson in Operational Security
The revelation highlights the importance of operational security (OPSEC) in military operations. The sharing of sensitive information without proper clearance can put lives at risk and compromise national security interests.
As The Atlantic's Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg stated, "We asked the White House if it opposed publication, and they said no." However, this raises questions about the administration's willingness to protect its own secrets and ensure the safety of those serving in the military.