The Trump administration planned Yemen strikes in an unauthorized Signal chat

Tech Crunch - Mar 24th, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

In a surprising breach of protocol, the Trump administration's national security team mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, in a Signal chat discussing confidential plans to attack Yemen’s Houthis. The messages, sent on March 15, revealed imminent military actions just hours before they occurred. Goldberg, initially skeptical and suspecting a potential hoax, was informed by a National Security Council spokesperson that the message chain was authentic. This incident highlights significant security lapses, as Signal and similar platforms lack authorization for government communication regarding sensitive military operations.

The inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in such a high-level security discussion underscores the risks of using unsecured platforms for government communications. The breach raises critical concerns about the integrity of information handling within the national security apparatus. This incident could potentially damage trust in U.S. national security operations and prompt calls for stricter protocols and communication tools to safeguard sensitive discussions. It also exposes vulnerabilities that adversaries could exploit, emphasizing the need for robust cybersecurity measures and a reevaluation of communication practices among U.S. officials.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

6.4
Moderately Fair
Read with skepticism

The article presents a compelling story about a significant security breach involving the Trump administration, with a focus on the accidental inclusion of a journalist in a sensitive communication. While the article is clear and engaging, it relies heavily on a single source, which limits its balance and source quality. The story is timely and of high public interest, touching on critical issues of national security and government transparency. However, it would benefit from additional perspectives and independent verification to enhance its accuracy and impact. Overall, the article effectively highlights important concerns but requires further depth and corroboration to fully substantiate its claims.

RATING DETAILS

6
Accuracy

The story presents a striking claim about a significant security breach involving the Trump administration and the use of Signal for sensitive communications. The main factual claims, such as the accidental inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg in a chat discussing military plans and the confirmation of the message chain's authenticity by the National Security Council, are critical to verify. The story accurately cites Goldberg's reaction and the potential implications of using Signal for such communications. However, it lacks independent corroboration from multiple sources, which is necessary for higher accuracy. The specifics of the military operation and the details of the communication remain unverified within the story itself.

5
Balance

The story primarily presents the perspective of Jeffrey Goldberg and The Atlantic, with minimal input from other stakeholders, such as the Trump administration or independent security experts. This creates an imbalance by not fully exploring how the administration or other officials might view or explain the situation. The lack of alternative viewpoints or responses from those involved in the decision-making process limits the story's balance and could lead to a skewed understanding of the events.

8
Clarity

The story is clearly written, with a straightforward narrative that outlines the key events and reactions. The language is accessible, and the structure logically presents the sequence of events, from the accidental inclusion of Goldberg in the chat to the subsequent confirmation of the message chain's authenticity. Despite this clarity, the story could benefit from additional context regarding the broader implications of using Signal for government communications.

7
Source quality

The story relies heavily on information from Jeffrey Goldberg, a reputable journalist, and The Atlantic, a well-regarded publication. The confirmation from a National Security Council spokesperson adds credibility. However, the story would benefit from additional sources, such as independent security analysts or other government officials, to provide a more comprehensive view and enhance the reliability of the claims. The reliance on a single primary source limits the diversity and depth of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides some transparency by quoting Jeffrey Goldberg and mentioning confirmation from the National Security Council. However, it does not delve into the methodology of how the information was obtained or verified, nor does it disclose any potential conflicts of interest that might affect the reporting. Greater transparency about the investigative process and any limitations in obtaining information would improve the reader's understanding of the story's basis.

Sources

  1. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/trump-officials-accidentally-shared-yemen-war-plans-group/story?id=120106043
  2. https://20fix.com
  3. https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/trump-officials-texted-war-plans-against-houthis-to-group-chat-that-included-a-journalist
  4. http://acecomments.mu.nu/?post=383383%3E
  5. https://www.startribune.com/trump-officials-texted-war-plans-to-a-group-chat-in-a-secure-app-that-included-a-journalist/601243083