Signal Leak: Trump officials shared US attack plans with Journalist

The Atlantic magazine published the transcript of US attack plans on Houthi rebels in Yemen. High-ranking Trump officials shared these details, even as the administration tried to downplay the scandal. Former President Donald Trump dismissed the controversy as a “witch hunt” against his National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz.

The leak surfaced after Waltz added The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, to a Signal chat group. Waltz downplayed the reveal on X, stating, “No locations. No sources & methods. NO WAR PLANS.” Despite these claims, the published chat exposed detailed military timelines.

The White House defended itself, insisting no classified information was shared. Officials called Goldberg a “liar” and accused him of misrepresenting the situation. The Atlantic justified its decision to release the messages, arguing the public deserved to draw its own conclusions.

The Signal chat included key figures from the Trump administration. Among them were Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and National Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard. Waltz invited Goldberg to the group on March 11. The conversation became active on March 15, the same day the US launched strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.

At 11:44 a.m. EST, Hegseth posted an update titled “TEAM UPDATE.” He confirmed that weather conditions were favorable and that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) had approved the mission. He then outlined the attack timeline:

• 12:15 p.m.: First strike package of F-18s launches.

• 1:45 p.m.: “Trigger-based” strike window opens.

• 2:10 p.m.: Second strike package of F-18s launches.

• 2:15 p.m.: Strike drones reach their target.

• 3:36 p.m.: Second wave of F-18s strikes, along with Tomahawk missiles.

Hegseth ended his message with “Godspeed to our Warriors” and assured the group that operational security (OPSEC) remained intact.

At 1:48 p.m., an unidentified member reported, “VP. Building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID. Pete, Kurilla, the IC, amazing job.” “IC” refers to the Intelligence Community, while “Kurilla” refers to Army General Michael “Erik” Kurilla, who leads CENTCOM.

Vance reacted with surprise, replying, “What?” Waltz clarified at 2 p.m., saying, “The first target – their top missile guy – we had positive ID of him walking into his girlfriend’s building, and it’s now collapsed.” Vance responded, “Excellent.”

Thirty-five minutes later, Ratcliffe added, “A good start,” prompting Waltz to reply with a fist, an American flag, and a fire emoji.

Later that day, Hegseth praised the mission’s success. “CENTCOM was/is on point,” he wrote. He confirmed more strikes would continue overnight and promised a full report the next day.

The leak raises serious concerns about the handling of sensitive military information. Despite the administration’s denials, the chat logs reveal internal discussions about the timing and execution of classified US military operations. The controversy adds to the growing tension between the Trump camp and the media, as both sides continue to clash over transparency and national security.