Concerns Arise Over Potential Additional Secret Signal Chats by National Security Advisor Mike Waltz

A report claims Mike Waltz and his team may have created 20 additional Signal chat groups for discussing national security issues, following the leak of a chat regarding a Yemen attack. The leak raised questions about sensitive information shared, with members of Trump’s cabinet reportedly involved. Despite assertions that classified information was not disclosed, the use of Signal indicates broader communication practices in the NSC.

Recent reports have surfaced regarding the existence of at least 20 additional Signal chat groups allegedly created by Mike Waltz, the US national security advisor, and his team. These chat groups, intended for discussions of significant national security matters, follow the concerning leak of information pertaining to a military operation in Yemen. The report highlights the ramifications of this revelation, particularly in light of national security implications.

The initial leak occurred when a journalist from The Atlantic Magazine was inadvertently added to a Signal chat discussing the Yemen attack plans. The leak, termed ‘Signalgate’, has since raised serious questions about the confidentiality of communication within the U.S. government. Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, disclosed the complete chat, challenging the U.S. officials’ claims that no sensitive information was revealed.

Further details from the Politico report indicate that Signal, an encrypted messaging platform, was frequently utilized for coordinating national security issues. The reported topics of discussion across these groups included the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, the threat posed by China, and regional security concerns in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Members of former President Donald Trump’s cabinet, including high-level staff, were reportedly included in these chat groups, demonstrating a prevalent practice within the National Security Council (NSC). Sources indicated that while sensitive topics were discussed, it remained uncertain whether classified information was shared across these platforms.

Former officials acknowledged that operational specifics were likely included in the Yemen chat, which could constitute classified material. Experts have noted that such details, including attack plans and asset deployment, are of a sensitive nature. The practice of utilizing Signal for national security matters may date back to prior to Trump’s administration, indicating a systematic approach to communications within the NSC.

The fallout from Signalgate prompted initial denial from the Trump administration, which gradually shifted toward downplaying the situation’s severity. As calls arise from political figures across both parties for investigations into potential security breaches, the implications of these breaches remain a significant concern. Speculation continues regarding membership in the other Signal chat groups, with the possibility of including similar individuals as those found in the Yemen chat, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance. Overall, the ramifications of this incident reflect ongoing concerns about security and effective communication strategies within the administration.

Waltz has publicly accepted responsibility for the incidents surrounding the Signal leaks, asserting that no classified information was shared. This assertion aligns with the broader reaction from the Trump administration, which emphasized the operational success of the Yemen operation while confronting the fallout from the leak.

In conclusion, the revelation of potential additional Signal chat groups raises significant concerns surrounding national security communication protocols within the U.S. government. The initial leak has prompted scrutiny of the practices employed by national security officials, particularly regarding the handling of sensitive information. As investigations are called for, there may be broader implications for oversight and accountability within the administration’s national security apparatus.

Original Source: www.wionews.com