‘Signal gate’: How Trump officials’ chat on bombing Yemen hit Washington
Mar 26, 2025
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Ken Klippenstein, an independent journalist specializing in national security, discusses a controversial Signal chat among Trump officials about bombing Yemen that included The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg. The conversation reveals shocking military strategies and raises questions about operational security. Klippenstein examines the implications for journalism, national security, and U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing the ethical dilemma journalists face when reporting on sensitive intelligence. He critiques the media’s handling of recent U.S. airstrikes and calls for more transparency in military actions.
The leaked Signal group chat involving U.S. officials raised significant concerns over operational security and the handling of military discussions.
The debate over journalist Jeffrey Goldberg's editorial choices highlights the tension between national security and the need for public transparency in military operations.
Deep dives
Escalation of U.S. Airstrikes in Yemen
Recent U.S. airstrikes in Yemen mark a significant escalation regarding American military involvement in the region. The targeted strikes not only hit Houthi leadership elements but also aimed at command and control facilities, indicating a shift from prior actions taken by the Biden administration. This aggressive approach raises debates on foreign policy decisions, reflecting unprecedented military strategy in the Middle East. The implications of these attacks are serious, emphasizing the risks of retaliatory actions against U.S. interests in the ongoing conflict.
Group Chat Controversy among U.S. Officials
A group chat on the commercial app Signal between senior U.S. officials sparked controversy after discussions regarding military operations were leaked. Notably, Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth were involved, alongside journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, who was mistakenly added to the chat. The fallout has raised concerns about operational security and the risks of discussing sensitive information in unsecured messaging apps. This has led to significant scrutiny and questioning during Senate hearings regarding the appropriateness of such communications amongst high-ranking officials.
Media's Role in Reporting National Security Matters
The role of journalists in handling sensitive national security matters came under critical examination, particularly regarding Goldberg's reporting on the leaked chat. He initially refrained from publishing all details out of concern for national security, which raised questions about editorial responsibility. Critics argue that by withholding information, journalists may inadvertently stifle public discourse on critical military operations and policies. This debate highlights the tension between protecting sensitive information and ensuring transparency on government actions that have far-reaching implications.
When a Signal group chat involving top US officials discussing plans to bomb Yemen included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, it sparked a firestorm in Washington. Now, The Atlantic has published excerpts from the chat, including input from political figures such as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Michael Waltz. We take a look at where the backlash has landed – and where it hasn't.
This episode was produced by Ashish Malhotra, Sonia Bhagat and Tamara Khanaker with Phillip Lanos, Spencer Cline, Hanah Shokeir, Khaled Soltan, Melanie Marich, Remas Al Hawari and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. Ney Alvarez is Al Jazeera’s head of audio.