How a Signal Request Connected Journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to U.S. War Plans on Yemen

Jeffrey Goldberg’s interaction with national security adviser Michael Waltz on Signal provided him access to sensitive discussions on military operations against Yemen’s Houthis. The incident reflects the complex relationship between journalists and the Trump administration, showcasing the unusual circumstances surrounding modern communication in national security.

On March 15, President Donald Trump initiated military strikes against the Houthis in Yemen, prompting warnings to Iran regarding their support for the group following attacks on Red Sea shipping. Jeffrey Goldberg, an Israeli-American journalist, experienced a transformative event following a message request via Signal from Michael Waltz, the national security adviser. This occurred on March 11, leading Goldberg unexpectedly into the depths of military secrets and strategic discussions.

While contemplating the contentious relations between the Trump administration and the media, Goldberg considered the possibility that Waltz’s request was a deception. Nevertheless, he accepted the connection, anticipating that their dialogue would engage with crucial global issues like Ukraine or Iran, as recounted in his article for The Atlantic, where he serves as the editor-in-chief.

Two days later, Goldberg was notified of his addition to a Signal group chat named “Houthi PC small group,” which indicated a focus on sensitive matters concerning the Houthi movement in Yemen. At 4:28 PM local time, he received a revealing first message from “Michael Waltz,” which addressed establishing a principals committee for coordination regarding the Houthis over the upcoming 72-hour period.

The communication outlined that Waltz’s deputy, Alex Wong, was organizing a team comprised of high-ranking deputies to follow up on a recent meeting in the Situation Room for further action items. Goldberg expressed his astonishment regarding the message’s content, particularly the usage of the term “principals committee,” a reference to the upper echelon of national security personnel, including the secretaries of defense and state.

Highlighting the rarity of journalists being invited to such discussions, he noted that this experience was unprecedented in his career. The message requested the best point of contact from Goldberg’s team for effective coordination in the following days and weekend. It was an unusual circumstance, as he had never encountered a White House principals-committee meeting communicated through a commercial messaging application before.

In summary, Jeffrey Goldberg’s unexpected interaction with Michael Waltz on Signal led him to access sensitive military discussions regarding the Houthis in Yemen. This incident underscores the unique and often precarious relationship between the media and national security affairs, particularly in the context of the Trump administration. Goldberg’s experience emphasizes the unusual avenues through which such critical information can surface, revealing the complexities of modern journalism and communication in geopolitical matters.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com