The US administration is still unable to digest the serious breach in security within the Trump administration.
This is the story of how Atlantic magazine journalist Jeffrey Goldberg was added to a group on the messaging platform Signal. In addition to Vice President JD Vance and Defense Minister Pete Hagsett, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz was also in this group.
And there, the talk was about the attack on the Iran-backed Houthi group in Yemen. The US carried out this attack on March 17. About 53 people were killed, and 98 were injured in this attack.
According to the Houthi Health Ministry, five of those killed were children.
Goldberg said that two hours before the bombing, he saw the confidential plan of the attack, which mentioned the package of weapons, target, and time. Some important things have been revealed in this leaked conversation.
These five important things have been revealed from the chat made public by Goldberg –
1. Vance questioned Trump’s thinking
In the chat made public, an account named JD Vance wrote: “I think we are making a mistake.”
The Vice President said that targeting Houthi forces attacking ships in the Suez Canal would benefit Europe’s interests more than America’s because Europe does more trade through that canal.
Vance added that his boss may not be aware that the US action could help Europe.
Vance said, “I don’t know if the President knows how much this matches his message to Europe right now. Apart from this, there is also a danger that oil prices may increase substantially or very much.”
According to Goldberg, the Vice President even said that he would support the majority but would like to postpone it for a month.
Goldberg later reported in his article that J.D. Vance’s spokesman sent him a statement saying that Trump and Vance “subsequently reached a full agreement” on the issue.
Since coming to power, Trump has criticized European NATO allies and urged them to increase defense spending, stressing that Europe needs to take responsibility for protecting its interests.
2. Accused Europe of ‘freebies’
Vance was unimpressed by the debate over whether the US could and should launch a military strike against the Houthi rebels.
He told the defense secretary, “If you think we should do it, then let’s go ahead. I just hate bailing out Europe again.”
Hegsett replied, “I share your hatred of Europe’s freebies. It’s pathetic.”
A member of the group named ‘SM’ suggested that after the attack, “the US should tell Egypt and Europe what we want in return.”
“What if Europe doesn’t pay reparations?” he asked.
“If the US successfully restores freedom of maritime navigation at a great cost, it needs to get some economic benefits in return,” the member said.
3. After the attack: Emojis and prayers
According to Goldberg, the US national security chief posted three emojis after the attack: “a fist, an American flag and fire.”
Goldberg said Steve Witkoff, the special envoy to the Middle East, responded with five emojis: clasped hands, “showing biceps and two American flags.”
He said Secretary of State Marco Rubio and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles also chimed in.
When given an update on the attack, Vance said, “I’ll pray for victory.”
Two other members of the group added prayer emojis, Goldberg reported.
4. Biden failed to contain Iran
Reacting to Vance’s concern that the move could be seen as against Trump’s message on Europe, the US defense secretary wrote: “VP: I understand your concern and support you in raising this issue with POTUS (Trump). There are some key points, most of which are hard to know what the implications will be (economic, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc.).”
“I think the message is going to be very strong no matter what it is – no one knows who the Houthis are – which is why we need to focus on: 1) Biden failed and 2) Iran funds them.”
The Trump administration has accused Joe Biden of being soft on Iran.
5. Waltz in the crosshairs
Goldberg said he received an unsolicited invitation from an account named Michael Waltz on the Signal messaging platform on March 11, and then two days later, he was added to a group chat about Yemen.
The president was not part of the group, but Trump’s close aides were.
Goldberg initially thought it was a hoax, but he soon realized it was real.
The whole issue is putting pressure on the national security adviser as Democrats in the House and Senate are demanding a full investigation.
When asked about the whole matter on Monday, Trump said he had no knowledge of anything but he stands by Waltz.
The defense minister also said no secrets had been leaked.
He told reporters, “Nobody was talking about warplanes.”
