The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was mistakenly added to a Signal group chat involving U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, where he received highly sensitive military information, including details of the March 15 strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
According to a White House statement on Monday, Goldberg inadvertently gained access to the group, which was intended for high-level officials coordinating the attacks. “It appears the reported message chain is authentic, and we are investigating how a number was mistakenly added,” National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes said. He described the incident as “evidence of deep and deliberate coordination among senior officials.”
In a lengthy article titled “The Trump Administration Accidentally Sent Me Its Military Plans,” Goldberg revealed he received the attack plan via Signal just two hours before the strikes began, complete with “detailed information on weapons, targets, and timing.”
“I hate helping the Europeans”
The leaked messages also exposed sharp criticism of European allies. Vance reportedly argued the strikes would primarily benefit Europe by boosting shipping security in the Red Sea, writing to Hegseth: “If you think it needs to be done, let’s do it. But I really don’t feel like helping the Europeans again.” Hegseth allegedly replied: “I completely agree. I hate the Europeans’ profiteering. It’s PATHETIC,” though he justified the strikes as necessary to restore maritime routes.
Goldberg recounted that the chat began on March 11 after a Signal exchange with White House National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. Days later, he was invited into the group, where he read messages exchanged among 18 high-ranking officials, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe. He initially doubted the group’s authenticity, only realizing its legitimacy after the attacks. Goldberg said he refrained from publishing operational details and exited the chat post-strike.
“These idiots will get us all killed”
The incident has sparked outrage in Congress, with Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer calling it a “failure” and demanding a full investigation. Senator Elizabeth Warren condemned the administration as “complete amateurs,” while Representative Robert Garcia said, “These idiots will get us all killed.”
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton reacted to the news on X, writing: “Tell me this is a joke.”
Hegseth denied the allegations, dismissing Goldberg as a “clumsy, discredited so-called journalist spreading falsehoods.” President Donald Trump distanced himself from the leak, stating: “I don’t know anything about this. First time I’m hearing it… I’m not a big fan of The Atlantic. That magazine is going bankrupt.”
The March 15 U.S. airstrikes targeted Houthi rebels following increased attacks on maritime shipping near Yemen’s coast, linked to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. The Houthis claim 50 people were killed and 100 injured.
