 |
| U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL) shows a text messages by U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a House Intelligence Committee hearing about worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 26, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis |
WASHINGTON – A major security breach has rocked the Trump administration after screenshots of a private chat revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed an upcoming military operation in Yemen just two hours before its execution. The Atlantic released the screenshots on Wednesday, triggering a firestorm of criticism in Washington over the apparent leak of highly sensitive military details.
READ MORE ARTICLE:
Pope Francis’ Near-Death Crisis: Doctor Reveals Harrowing Decision to "Let Him Go or Push Forward"
Women Leaders Rise: DOJ Undersecretary, ARTA Director, and QC Prosecutor Commissioned as AFP Reserve Lieutenant Colonels
The controversy centers on Hegseth’s use of a commercial messaging app, possibly on a personal cellphone, to discuss a strike against a Houthi militant leader. The March 15 chat, which took place on the encrypted platform Signal, reportedly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, raising concerns about the unauthorized dissemination of national security information.
Outrage and Calls for Resignations
In response to the revelations, leading Democratic lawmakers have demanded firings within the Trump administration’s national security team. They argue that the exposure of such sensitive operational details could have endangered American military personnel and compromised the mission. Representative Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat serving on the House Intelligence Committee, voiced his alarm: “I think that it's by the awesome grace of God that we are not mourning dead pilots right now.”
Republicans have also expressed concern, with Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate committee overseeing the Pentagon, stating that the leaked texts were so sensitive that he “would have wanted it classified.” Wicker has joined Democratic lawmakers in calling for an independent probe into the security lapse.
Potential Consequences of the Leak
Security analysts warn that if Houthi leaders had become aware of the impending attack, they could have taken evasive measures, such as relocating to densely populated areas. This could have made it significantly more difficult for U.S. forces to carry out the mission without risking unacceptable levels of civilian casualties.
While the released chat logs do not appear to contain precise names or locations of the targets, experts argue that even acknowledging an imminent operation is a breach of protocol. Former military officials stress that secrecy is paramount when planning precision strikes, and any leak—however minor—could have catastrophic consequences.
Denials from Hegseth and Trump Administration
Hegseth has firmly denied sharing classified details, and the Trump administration has sought to downplay the significance of the messages. President Trump and his senior advisers maintain that the chat did not disclose critical information that could have jeopardized the operation. Nevertheless, critics argue that simply revealing the timing of the attack posed a significant security risk.
The administration’s stance has left many puzzled, particularly among former intelligence and defense officials who view the revelation as a serious breach. “This is not how national security is handled,” one retired Pentagon official told The Atlantic. “Even the slightest leak can put lives at risk.”
Fallout and the Path Forward
The uproar over the leaked texts is likely to fuel ongoing debates over the security of digital communications in government. Lawmakers from both parties are now questioning the protocols for handling sensitive military information and are pushing for tighter restrictions on the use of commercial messaging apps by senior officials.
As pressure mounts, the Pentagon has indicated it will cooperate with any investigations launched by Congress. Meanwhile, national security experts warn that the incident could have long-term repercussions, not just for Hegseth but for the broader credibility of U.S. military strategy.
With calls for accountability growing, the White House faces a critical decision: stand firmly by its embattled defense secretary or take disciplinary action to contain the fallout. The coming weeks will likely determine the extent of the damage and whether further resignations or firings will follow.
A major security breach has rocked the Trump administration after screenshots of a private chat revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth discussed an upcoming military operation in Yemen just two hours before its execution. The Atlantic released the screenshots on Wednesday, triggering a firestorm of criticism in Washington over the apparent leak of highly sensitive military details.
The controversy centers on Hegseth’s use of a commercial messaging app, possibly on a personal cellphone, to discuss a strike against a Houthi militant leader. The March 15 chat, which took place on the encrypted platform Signal, reportedly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, raising concerns about the unauthorized dissemination of national security information.
In response to the revelations, leading Democratic lawmakers have demanded firings within the Trump administration’s national security team. They argue that the exposure of such sensitive operational details could have endangered American military personnel and compromised the mission. Representative Jim Himes, a Connecticut Democrat serving on the House Intelligence Committee, voiced his alarm: “I think that it's by the awesome grace of God that we are not mourning dead pilots right now.”
Republicans have also expressed concern, with Senator Roger Wicker, who chairs the Senate committee overseeing the Pentagon, stating that the leaked texts were so sensitive that he “would have wanted it classified.” Wicker has joined Democratic lawmakers in calling for an independent probe into the security lapse.
Pentagon Officials Question Classification of Leaked Texts
Pentagon officials familiar with the operation believed that the details shared by Hegseth in his text messages were classified at the time, a U.S. official told Reuters under the condition of anonymity. This has prompted questions about whether, when, and how these messages were later declassified.
The controversy has also renewed scrutiny of Hegseth, whose confirmation by the Senate was a narrow victory after an intense review process. His qualifications, temperament, and stance on women in combat were all points of contention during the proceedings.
Despite mounting criticism, the White House has downplayed the possibility of Hegseth or other officials losing their positions, affirming that President Trump maintains confidence in them. Trump himself has also sought to minimize the significance of the leaked Yemen operation, stating in a podcast interview that “there was nothing in there that compromised ... the attack.”
The Atlantic Publishes Chat Details
Initially, The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, declined to publish details from the chat, but he ultimately released them on Wednesday. The magazine has yet to respond to requests for comment regarding the additional messages.
Potential Consequences of the Leak
Security analysts warn that if Houthi leaders had become aware of the impending attack, they could have taken evasive measures, such as relocating to densely populated areas. This could have made it significantly more difficult for U.S. forces to carry out the mission without risking unacceptable levels of civilian casualties.
While the released chat logs do not appear to contain precise names or locations of the targets, experts argue that even acknowledging an imminent operation is a breach of protocol. Former military officials stress that secrecy is paramount when planning precision strikes, and any leak—however minor—could have catastrophic consequences.
Fallout and the Path Forward
The uproar over the leaked texts is likely to fuel ongoing debates over the security of digital communications in government. Lawmakers from both parties are now questioning the protocols for handling sensitive military information and are pushing for tighter restrictions on the use of commercial messaging apps by senior officials.
As pressure mounts, the Pentagon has indicated it will cooperate with any investigations launched by Congress. Meanwhile, national security experts warn that the incident could have long-term repercussions, not just for Hegseth but for the broader credibility of U.S. military strategy.
With calls for accountability growing, the White House faces a critical decision: stand firmly by its embattled defense secretary or take disciplinary action to contain the fallout. The coming weeks will likely determine the extent of the damage and whether further resignations or firings will follow.
____
Senate Republicans Call for Independent Probe into Trump Administration's Use of Signal App for Sensitive Military Planning
Washington, D.C. – A bipartisan call for an independent investigation into the Trump administration's use of the encrypted messaging app Signal to discuss sensitive military operations has been issued by leading Senate Republicans. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI), the committee's ranking member, expressed serious concerns about the potential security risks involved.
The senators' concerns stem from reports detailing discussions on Signal regarding a planned military operation, specifically the killing of a Houthi militant in Yemen on March 15th. The chat reportedly included high-ranking officials such as National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Adding to the controversy, the Atlantic's editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently included in the conversation.
Senator Wicker stated that the information discussed appeared to be of such a sensitive nature that it should have been classified. He emphasized his belief that the potential for this information to fall into the wrong hands posed a significant threat to U.S. troops. He and Senator Reed have jointly sent letters to the Trump administration urging the expedited completion of an Inspector General report and requesting a classified briefing on the matter.
The absence of a currently appointed Defense Department Inspector General, following the dismissal of several officials by President Trump, adds another layer of complexity to the situation. Despite this, Senator Wicker expressed confidence that the Pentagon would proceed with the investigation.
The incident has drawn bipartisan criticism, with some Republicans joining Democrats in expressing alarm over the use of Signal for such sensitive communications. Director Gabbard and Director Ratcliffe have already testified before Congress regarding the incident during previously scheduled hearings. The senators' request for an independent probe underscores the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation to determine the extent of any security breaches and prevent similar incidents in the future.
_________
Democrats Blast Trump Administration Over Signal Chat Breach, Demand Accountability
WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats on Thursday intensified their criticism of the Trump administration’s handling of a high-profile security breach, accusing officials of downplaying a Signal group chat that included sensitive details about a planned military strike—a lapse they say could have had deadly consequences.
“I think that it’s by the awesome grace of God that we are not mourning dead pilots right now,” said Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT) during a heated House Intelligence Committee hearing. “Everyone here knows that the Russians and the Chinese could have gotten all of that information.”
The controversy stems from a Signal conversation among top administration officials—including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—discussing a March 15 operation targeting a Houthi militant in Yemen. The chat inadvertently included The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg, raising alarms about potential leaks of classified material.
Dispute Over Classification
While administration officials insisted the chat contained no classified information, Democrats—and even some Republicans—disputed that claim. Screenshots obtained by The Atlantic revealed that Hegseth shared the operation’s start time and details of follow-up airstrikes—details typically treated as top secret.
“This is classified information,” said Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi (D-IL), demanding Hegseth’s resignation. “It’s a weapons system as well as a sequence of strikes, as well as details about the operations.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), while voicing support for Trump’s national security team, acknowledged in a statement that the messages “do in fact detail very sensitive information about a planned and ongoing military operation.”
Pressed on whether the discussion should have been classified, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard deferred to the Pentagon, stating, “I would point to what was shared would fall under the DoD classification system and the Secretary of Defense’s authority.”
Calls for Investigations and Resignations
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and other Democrats sent a letter to President Trump urging a Justice Department probe into how a journalist was added to the confidential chat. The DOJ has so far declined to comment.
Meanwhile, Waltz, who organized the Signal group, took responsibility for the mishap in a Fox News interview but maintained that “no classified information was shared.”
President Trump defended his team, saying they would review Signal’s use—which Gabbard noted was preloaded on government devices—but stopped short of condemning the lapse.
The incident has reignited debates over the administration’s adherence to security protocols, with critics warning that informal messaging risks exposing critical intelligence to foreign adversaries. As lawmakers demand answers, the fallout could further strain relations between the White House and national security officials.
_____
Judge James Boasberg: At the Crossroads of Justice and Political Controversy
The U.S. judiciary has often found itself at the heart of political and legal storms, but few judges have been thrust into the spotlight as frequently as U.S. District Judge James Boasberg. As the chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Boasberg has recently been assigned to hear a high-profile lawsuit regarding the alleged use of the encrypted messaging app Signal by Trump administration officials to discuss sensitive military operations. This development comes amid mounting tensions between Boasberg and former President Donald Trump, who has openly called for the judge’s impeachment due to a previous ruling blocking the administration’s efforts to deport Venezuelan migrants under wartime powers.On Wednesday, Boasberg was randomly assigned to oversee a lawsuit filed by the government watchdog group American Oversight. The lawsuit accuses former Trump administration officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, of violating federal record-keeping laws by using a Signal group chat to discuss impending military action against Yemen’s Houthis. The controversy erupted after The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, inadvertently received messages revealing that Hegseth had shared the scheduled start time for a U.S. strike against a Houthi militant in Yemen on March 15, along with further details about upcoming airstrikes.
The disclosure of sensitive military plans on a commercial messaging app has sparked significant outrage in Washington. Democrats have demanded accountability and called for the dismissal of those responsible for the leaks. American Oversight argues that these officials failed to implement proper safeguards to prevent automatic deletion of Signal messages, thereby violating the Federal Records Act. The watchdog group’s lawsuit seeks a judicial declaration that their actions were unlawful, along with an injunction requiring officials to preserve records and recover any deleted communications to the extent possible.
The White House and the U.S. Department of Justice have yet to respond to the lawsuit. However, administration officials have stated that no classified information was transmitted via Signal. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the use of Signal, asserting that it is an approved app installed on government-issued phones used by the Pentagon, State Department, and Central Intelligence Agency.
Boasberg’s role in adjudicating the case is expected to be closely watched, particularly in light of his growing conflict with Trump and his allies. The case also raises broader questions about the use of encrypted messaging apps in government communications, national security transparency, and adherence to record-keeping laws.
Judge Boasberg and the Deportation Controversy
Judge Boasberg is no stranger to high-stakes legal battles involving the Trump administration. Just weeks before being assigned to the Signal case, Boasberg issued an order blocking the deportation of Venezuelan migrants under the 1798 Alien Enemies Act. The administration, however, proceeded with deportations, arguing that its actions were lawful. This defiance of a judicial order has led to heightened concerns about the administration’s willingness to respect the authority of the courts.
In response, Boasberg instructed the Justice Department to provide a justification for its actions, highlighting the growing tension between the judiciary and the executive branch. Trump, in turn, escalated the conflict by publicly calling for Boasberg’s impeachment, a move that has been widely criticized as an attempt to undermine judicial independence.
Trump’s demand for Boasberg’s impeachment has intensified the broader debate over judicial authority and the limits of executive power. Republican lawmakers have introduced resolutions seeking the impeachment of Boasberg and several other judges who have ruled against Trump’s policies. However, the push for impeachment has faced pushback from legal experts and members of the judiciary.
Chief U.S. Supreme Court Justice John Roberts issued a rare public statement in defense of Boasberg, emphasizing that “impeachment is not an appropriate response to disagreement concerning a judicial decision,” and that such decisions should be challenged through the appeals process rather than political retaliation.
As Judge Boasberg prepares to preside over the lawsuit concerning the use of Signal for military communications, his decisions will likely have significant implications for both national security and government transparency. His rulings on this case could set a precedent for how encrypted messaging platforms are used in official government functions and whether officials can be held accountable for failing to preserve records.
Furthermore, his ongoing dispute with Trump over deportations and judicial authority underscores a larger struggle over the balance of power in the U.S. government. With calls for his impeachment still circulating in political circles, Boasberg’s role in these cases will remain a focal point of legal and political discourse in the coming months.
In an era of heightened political division and challenges to judicial independence, Boasberg’s decisions will not only impact the individuals directly involved in these lawsuits but also shape broader debates about the rule of law and the separation of powers in the United States.
https://www.majaits.com/2025/03/defense-secretary-pete-hegseth-under.html