Trump Officials Exposed: Secret U.S. Military Plans Shared in Signal Group Chat
WASHINGTON, D.C. (FNN) – A national security scandal has erupted after top officials in former President Donald Trump’s administration reportedly shared sensitive U.S. military plans for strikes on Yemen in a private Signal group chat—including with The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief.
LEAKED WAR PLANS SPARK OUTRAGE
The National Security Council confirmed the authenticity of the leaked messages, which included operational details of upcoming U.S. military strikes on Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen—such as target locations, weapon deployment, and attack sequencing. The revelations come amid heightened conflict in the Red Sea region.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz were part of the chat, along with journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. The Atlantic reported that within two hours of receiving the attack details on March 15, the U.S. launched airstrikes against Houthi targets.
FALLOUT AND POLITICAL BACKLASH
Democratic leaders condemned the leak as a grave breach of military intelligence. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called it “one of the most stunning breaches of military intelligence in decades.” Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) warned that “American lives are on the line” and vowed an immediate investigation.
Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT), the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, said, “If a lower-ranking official did this, they would likely lose their clearance and face criminal investigation.”
Some Republicans also raised concerns. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker (R-MS) stated, “We’ll be looking into it on a bipartisan basis.”
TRUMP, HEGSETH RESPOND AMID GROWING PROBE
Trump distanced himself from the controversy, telling reporters, “I don’t know anything about it. You’re telling me for the first time.” He later mocked the story, amplifying a satirical post suggesting The Atlantic’s readership was too small for the leak to matter.
Hegseth, facing intense scrutiny, lashed out at Goldberg, calling him “deceitful” and a “discredited so-called journalist” but did not deny the leak’s existence. He also dodged questions on why an unsecured, hackable messaging app was used for military planning.
WHAT’S NEXT? POSSIBLE ESPIONAGE ACT VIOLATION
The Justice Department may investigate whether sharing these war plans violated the Espionage Act, which criminalizes the removal of sensitive national defense information from its “proper place of custody”—even through negligence.
Meanwhile, Hegseth’s office has just announced a crackdown on leaks, including possible polygraph tests for defense personnel—a move critics say is ironic given the current scandal.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
The leak raises urgent questions about security failures, potential legal violations, and the Trump administration’s handling of classified military intelligence. As the fallout grows, lawmakers from both parties demand accountability, setting the stage for high-profile hearings and potential criminal probes.