A report suggests that Mike Waltz, US National Security Advisor, created at least 20 additional Signal chat groups for discussing national security matters. This follows the leaked chat regarding a Yemen attack, raising concerns over sensitive information possibly being shared. Investigations into the matter are being called for amidst ongoing scrutiny of security practices within the Trump administration.
Recent revelations suggest that Mike Waltz, the US National Security Advisor, may have established at least 20 additional Signal chat groups aside from the one associated with the leaked Yemen attack plans. This report, unveiled by Politico, indicates these groups were utilized for discussions on critical national security issues and may have involved classified information sharing.
The leak of details surrounding the March 15 Yemen attack occurred after a journalist from The Atlantic was inadvertently included in the Signal chat group. Editor Jeffrey Goldberg subsequently published the entire conversation, challenging US officials’ assertions that no sensitive data was disclosed. Dubbed ‘Signalgate,’ this incident has sparked scrutiny, particularly as none of the involved officials have faced repercussions.
According to the Politico report, Signal—the encrypted messaging application—was crucial for managing global national security activities. Numerous topics prompting the creation of chat groups included the conflicts in Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Hamas, as well as concerns regarding China and US policy in the Middle East.
The report asserts that members from former President Donald Trump’s cabinet and senior staff were participants in these chat groups, indicating a common practice within the National Security Council (NSC). Sources conveyed that while sensitive discussions occurred, uncertainty remains about whether classified information was indeed shared. Experts noted that operational specifics discussed in the Yemen chat were classified.
One source indicated, “It was commonplace to stand up chats on any given national security topic,” emphasizing that the communication method was embedded within NSC operations rather than a sporadic choice related solely to the Yemen attack.
In the aftermath of Signalgate, the Trump administration initially denied any significant issues, later attempting to downplay the implications. Calls for investigations into potential security breaches have now emerged from both party lines.
The composition of the additional 20 Signal chat groups remains unclear; however, it may mirror the participants of the Yemen attack discussions, which included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance. Specific operational details were shared during the Yemen chat, prompting what many claim were significant lapses in security protocol.
In addressing the fallout, Waltz accepted full responsibility for the incident while maintaining that no classified information was shared, a position echoed by Donald Trump and his administration.
The emergence of multiple undisclosed Signal chat groups, as alleged by Politico, raises significant concerns regarding national security protocols within the Trump administration. The circumstances surrounding the Yemen attack chat reveal potential for classified information dissemination, adding urgency to calls for investigations. Despite claims of negligible risk, the implications of such communications processes must be closely evaluated as the debate surrounding ‘Signalgate’ intensifies.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
