President Donald Trump and top intelligence officials are downplaying concerns over a security lapse that exposed national security discussions on a messaging app.
The incident has sparked heated debates in Washington about the risks of using civilian platforms for sensitive conversations.
A journalist accidentally gained access to a Signal group chat where high-ranking US officials were reportedly discussing military airstrikes in Yemen. The leak has raised serious concerns about operational security, especially as the planned attack was later carried out. Despite this, officials insist that no classified details were shared.
During a tense Senate hearing, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe rejected claims that secret information was exposed. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, whose name was linked to some of the messages, did not testify. Lawmakers, especially Democrats, criticized the officials for what they called careless handling of national security matters.
At the White House, Trump defended his National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, who admitted responsibility for creating the chat group. Waltz acknowledged the mistake and assured that efforts were underway to understand how the breach occurred. He also revealed that tech billionaire Elon Musk had been consulted for possible security solutions.
The controversy has led to legal action and widespread concerns about why top officials used a private app for sensitive discussions. While some officials dismissed the incident as an unintentional lapse, critics argue that the leak reflects deeper security flaws in the administration’s handling of national defense.
The debate overshadowed a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing originally focused on border security. Lawmakers questioned the extent of the leak, with Democrats calling it reckless and Republicans suggesting it was a close call rather than a major breach. Some members are pushing for a full investigation to determine the impact and prevent future incidents.
The administration now faces pressure to tighten security protocols for high-level discussions. As investigations move forward, the leaked chat has exposed the risks of digital communication in government operations, leaving Washington divided over how to prevent another similar mishap.