The Daily Aus That time the White House texted a journalist its war plans
Mar 26, 2025
A journalist inadvertently finds himself in a group chat with top U.S. defense officials discussing military action against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. The situation raises urgent questions about national security and ethics. The conversation reveals the intricacies of military planning and the journalist's surprising role in uncovering sensitive information. While exploring the geopolitical implications, the fallout from the leak also highlights critical concerns regarding U.S. policy and operational security.
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Journalist in War Room Chat
- The White House confirmed a journalist's accidental addition to a high-security group chat.
- This chat included senior defense officials discussing a planned strike against the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.
Initial Contact
- Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, received a Signal connection request from Michael Waltz, Trump's National Security Advisor.
- Goldberg initially dismissed it as fake due to Trump's past media interactions.
Houthi Context
- The Houthis, an Iran-backed group in Yemen, have been disrupting Red Sea trade routes.
- Their attacks on commercial and military vessels, including those linked to Israel, are concerning.