Radio Atlantic
The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Our Editor Their War Plans
Mar 25, 2025
Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, and Shane Harris, a national security reporter, dive into a bizarre incident where Goldberg ends up in a group text with top Trump administration officials discussing military plans. They dissect the surreal nature of governmental communication failures and the risks of using informal messaging platforms for sensitive discussions. The pair also explore the implications of leaked texts on national security and the chaotic dynamics within the administration, highlighting the importance of confidentiality in government operations.
28:34
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Quick takeaways
- The accidental inclusion of an editor in a high-level national security text chain highlights significant risks in communication security practices.
- The podcast reveals discord and uncertainty within the Trump administration regarding military strategies, affecting decision-making coherence on operations in Yemen.
Deep dives
Unexpected Inclusion in National Security Discussions
An editor was accidentally added to a high-level text chain regarding an impending military operation in Yemen. Initially skeptical, he was surprised to find numerous officials including the Defense Secretary engaging in serious conversations about the situation. As the dialogue unfolded, he noted that the discussions mimicked authentic communication among the officials, including practical decision-making about the strike. This accidental inclusion raised alarms about communication security and the potential consequences of sharing sensitive information with someone outside the intended group.
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