White House Denies Classified Info in Signal Chain/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The White House insists no classified information was shared in a leaked Signal group chat among Trump officials, but Democrats strongly disagree, calling the messages — which included attack timing and weapons details — a national security failure. Lawmakers now demand accountability and investigations, as criticism mounts across both parties.
Signal Chat Leak Fallout: Quick Look
- Trump’s Stance: Dismisses scandal as “witch hunt”
- Democratic Response: Calls denial “baloney,” demands resignations
- Shared Details: Weapons, targets, and attack timing revealed
- Hegseth’s Role: Posted key strike info, denies wrongdoing
- Waltz’s Admission: Built chat, takes full responsibility
- Gabbard’s Testimony: No classified info, but “sensitive”
- Congressional Action: Bipartisan push for Inspector General probe
- Public Release: Atlantic publishes full message transcript
White House Denies Classified Info in Signal Chain
Deep Look
National Security Crisis Erupts Over Use of Signal App
A political and security firestorm has erupted in Washington after revelations that senior Trump administration officials used the Signal app to discuss sensitive military operations — and inadvertently included a journalist in the chat.
At the center of the controversy is a Signal message thread detailing attack plans against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, and others shared real-time updates about weapons, timing, and drone launches. Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to the group and later published the full transcript, igniting bipartisan concern.
The White House maintains no classified information was revealed, but national security experts and Democratic lawmakers argue otherwise.
They point to phrases like “THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP” as evidence of dangerously exposed operational details.
Sen. Mark Warner called the White House’s denials “baloney,” while Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi labeled the info “clearly classified.” Some, including Rep. Jim Himes, demanded the resignation of Hegseth, who continues to deny wrongdoing. “It was a team update,” Hegseth said, arguing that foreign partners had already been notified.
Meanwhile, DNI Tulsi Gabbard defended the chat, asserting no classified material was shared — but conceded she hadn’t reviewed DOD classification guidelines. Her testimony failed to calm critics, as lawmakers pressed her on inconsistencies and the seriousness of the breach.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt dismissed the outrage as a “coordinated campaign” and insisted the public should trust Hegseth over Goldberg. Trump himself called the situation a “witch hunt” and doubled down on defending his Cabinet, suggesting changes to communication protocols may be considered — but not mandated.
Calls for an independent investigation are now coming from both parties. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker and Democrat Jack Reed have requested a classified briefing and expedited inspector general probe. Whether any real accountability follows remains to be seen.
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