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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.
08:40
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Quick takeaways

  • The inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive military group chat exemplifies severe lapses in security protocols within the U.S. government.
  • This incident not only raises legal concerns under the Espionage Act but also threatens the credibility of U.S. leadership and national security.

Deep dives

Unintentional Breach of National Security

A significant security breach occurred when a journalist was inadvertently added to a chat group where senior U.S. officials discussed military operations against the Houthis, an Iranian proxy in Yemen. This included high-ranking members of the government, such as the National Security Advisor and the Secretary of Defense, who communicated their plans in a messaging app without realizing that they had included an outsider. The situation raises serious questions about the competence and oversight within the Trump administration, suggesting either a strategic blunder or sheer negligence. The incident highlights the potential risks of using non-official communication platforms for sensitive discussions, as it undermines the confidentiality of national security matters.

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