Hegseth Says ‘Nobody Was Texting War Plans’ After The Atlantic Editor Claims He Was Part Of Signal Chat

Forbes - Mar 25th, 2025
Open on Forbes

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has refuted claims that a Signal group chat involving him and other Trump administration officials was used to discuss sensitive war plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. This denial follows an article by Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, who reported being inadvertently added to the chat. Hegseth criticized Goldberg for spreading 'hoaxes' and insisted to reporters that 'nobody was texting war plans,' despite the National Security Council acknowledging the message chain's authenticity and launching a review into the incident.

The report has stirred controversy, especially as it implies a significant breach of military communication protocols, potentially involving figures like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. President Donald Trump has distanced himself, claiming ignorance of the chat. The situation underscores the challenges of digital communication security in government operations, raising concerns about the administration's handling of sensitive information and the implications for U.S. foreign policy and military strategy, particularly in the Middle East.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.6
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article covers a highly relevant and potentially impactful news story involving allegations of mishandling sensitive military information by top U.S. officials. It presents key claims and statements from authoritative sources, but it lacks independent verification and a broader range of perspectives. The story is timely and of significant public interest, given its implications for national security and government accountability. However, greater transparency and a more balanced presentation of viewpoints would enhance the article's credibility and engagement potential. The clarity and readability are strong, but the article would benefit from additional context and analysis to fully inform readers about the complexities of the situation.

RATING DETAILS

7
Accuracy

The article presents several factual claims that appear to be based on statements from key individuals and documents. For instance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's denial of discussing war plans in a Signal group chat is a central claim. The article also references Jeffrey Goldberg's report and the National Security Council's response, which acknowledges the screenshots as appearing authentic. These claims are significant and require verification, especially given the potential implications for national security. The story accurately reflects the statements made by these officials, but it lacks independent verification of the Signal chat's content and the authenticity of the screenshots, which are crucial for a complete accuracy assessment.

6
Balance

The article predominantly presents the perspectives of U.S. government officials and Jeffrey Goldberg, without offering substantial counterpoints or independent analysis. Hegseth's denial and criticism of Goldberg are highlighted, but the article does not delve into alternative viewpoints or provide a deeper examination of the potential motivations behind these statements. This could lead to an impression of bias towards the official narratives, as the story does not explore the implications of Goldberg's claims or the broader context of U.S. military actions in Yemen.

8
Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow that guides the reader through the main points. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to follow the narrative. However, the inclusion of more detailed background information about the geopolitical context of the alleged military plans could improve comprehension for readers unfamiliar with the situation in Yemen.

7
Source quality

The sources cited in the article include high-ranking officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump, as well as a reputable journalist, Jeffrey Goldberg. These sources are authoritative and relevant to the subject matter. However, the article relies heavily on statements from these individuals without incorporating additional independent sources that could provide corroboration or alternative insights. The reliance on official statements without further investigation limits the depth of the reporting.

5
Transparency

The article provides basic context about the claims and the individuals involved, but it falls short in explaining the methodology behind the reporting or the steps taken to verify the information. There is no discussion of how the screenshots were obtained or verified, nor is there an exploration of potential conflicts of interest or biases of the sources. Greater transparency about the reporting process would enhance the article's credibility and help readers understand the basis for the claims made.