Signal Request Brings Journalist into Secret Military Discussions on Yemen
A Signal request from advisor Michael Waltz led journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to access confidential discussions about U.S. military strategy regarding Yemen’s Houthis. This included urgent communications typical of high-ranking national security officials, highlighting the complexities of journalist relations with government administrations.
On March 15, Donald Trump initiated military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, cautioning Iran to cease its support for the group due to their attacks on Red Sea shipping. This pivotal event followed a connection request on Signal, which was made to journalist Jeffrey Goldberg by Michael Waltz, the national security adviser to President Trump, on March 11.
Initially skeptical of the request due to the contentious nature of media relations under the Trump administration, Goldberg decided to accept it, hoping for discussions of significant geopolitical issues such as Ukraine or Iran. Two days later, he received a notification for a Signal group chat titled “Houthi PC small group,” implying a focus on sensitive topics related to the Houthi movement in Yemen.
At 4:28 PM local time, the first message arrived from “Michael Waltz,” setting a serious tone for the conversation. The message outlined the establishment of a coordination group concerning the Houthis, emphasizing urgent action in the upcoming 72 hours and indicating that a deputy was assembling a team at a high administrative level for further discussions.
Goldberg, experienced in covering national security matters, was taken aback by the unexpected and confidential nature of the dialogue. He noted that the term “principals committee” references top-ranking officials, including defense and state secretaries, which journalists are typically excluded from. Nonetheless, he found himself part of a clandestine discussion, without precedent in his professional experience.
The ongoing communication requested contributions from the best staff points of contact for further coordination over the upcoming days, an unprecedented engagement for Goldberg; he had never before participated in a White House principals committee meeting facilitated through a commercial messaging app.
The unexpected Signal request led Jeffrey Goldberg into an unprecedented secretive discussion concerning U.S. military strategy against Yemen’s Houthis. His experience underscores the challenges and complexities of media interactions within high-stakes national security contexts. The dialogue, characterized by urgent military coordination and inclusion in discussions typically reserved for top officials, reflects the evolving dynamics of communication in contemporary governance.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
