"I fully share your loathing of European freeloading. It’s PATHETIC," US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly complained in a leaked group chat on messaging platform Signal, whose screenshots have been shared in the article by Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic magazine.
He claims to have been added in the group chat where top US defense officials discussed the plans for airstrikes on Yemen's rebel Houthis.
In his explosive article, Goldberg claims he received a connection request on Signal on March 11 from a user identified as Michael Waltz. Two days later, things took an unexpected turn, and Goldberg was added to the "Houthi PC small group."
Goldberg said the group went on to discuss critical policy matters, with Hegseth even revealing precise details about weapons, targets, and the timing of the attacks.
Although, the National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes confirmed the authentication of the chat he said, “The message thread that was reported appears to be authentic, and we are reviewing how an inadvertent number was added to the chain.”
The administration is now facing accusations of jeopardizing America's security. Let’s take a look into the details of what was discussed in that compromised group chat, as shared by Goldberg in his article.
Inside the explosive, leaked group chat
The Atlantic’s Jeffrey Goldberg published a brief report 'The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans.' In this he briefly revealed internal discussions and concerns over the operation’s timing.
According to Goldberg, the group comprised 18 members including US Vice President JD Vance, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard.
In the group, national security adviser Mike Waltz tasked his deputy Alex Wong with setting up a “tiger team” to coordinate US action against the Houthis.
Goldberg claimed that he knew two hours before he got to know about the attack that happened at 2 pm eastern time on March 15. Defence secretary Pete Hegseth posted operational details about the plan at 11:44 am said, “including information about targets, weapons the U.S. would be deploying, and attack sequencing”.
The leaked messages revealed that JD Vance, Vice President of US, was skeptic about proceeding with the strike. “Team, I am out for the day doing an economic event in Michigan. But I think we are making a mistake.”
"Pete Hegseth” account seems to convince Vance for the strike. "I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS." He said that messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – "which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded.”
To which Vance agreed and said “if you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again.”
Pete complained Europe of 'freeloading' and said "we are the only ones on the planet (on our side of the ledger) who can do this. Nobody else even close.”
The strikes commenced at approximately 1:45 p.m. Eastern time, with explosions reported across Sanaa, Yemen's capital. Following the operation, officials shared congratulatory messages in the group.
National Security Adviser Michael Waltz praised the "amazing job," while CIA Director John Ratcliffe termed it "A good start." Other participants, including "MAR" (believed to be Marco Rubio), wrote "Good Job Pete and your team!!" White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles added, "Kudos to all – most particularly those in theater and CENTCOM! Really great. God bless."
Hegseth calls Goldberg 'deceitful'
While National Security Council spokesperson has authenticated the group chats.
Pete Hegseth addressed the media, criticizing the journalist involved as "deceitful" and accusing him of spreading false information.
He firmly stated that no one had "texted war plans." Hegseth further responded, "I've heard that was characterized, but no one was texting war plans. And that's all I have to say about that."
To which Jeffrey Goldberg responds in an interview with CNN: “That’s a lie. He was texting war plans; he was texting attack plans."
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