The Foreign Desk Explainer 460: Jeffrey Goldberg has exited the war chat
Mar 26, 2025
A major security breach unfolds as a journalist is accidentally added to a military planning chat. This incident raises serious questions about communication protocols among U.S. officials. The discussion reveals how carelessly sensitive topics are handled by those in power. The implications for national security are concerning, showcasing the need for tighter controls and awareness.
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Journalist in War Chat
- Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, was added to a Signal group chat discussing potential strikes against the Houthis.
- The chat included high-ranking US officials like J.D. Vance, Marco Rubio, and Pete Hegseth.
Possible Explanations
- There are two possible explanations for Goldberg's inclusion: a deliberate strategic maneuver or a blunder by the Trump administration.
- The latter explanation, portraying the administration as incompetent, seems more likely.
Legal Ramifications
- The Espionage Act, Presidential Records Act, and other laws were potentially violated by using Signal for official communications.
- However, the Trump-led Justice Department might not prosecute, given Trump's own handling of classified materials.