Investigation Reveals Possible Additional Secret Signal Chats by Mike Waltz
A recent report indicated that Mike Waltz set up at least 20 additional secret Signal chat groups for discussing national security, raising concerns about potential classified information sharing. This follows the leak of a chat related to a Yemen attack, which contradicted official claims of no security threats. The investigation suggests systemic issues within NSC communication practices, necessitating scrutiny and potential bipartisan inquiry.
Recent investigations following the leak of a Signal chat detailing plans for a Yemen attack suggest the existence of at least 20 additional secret chat groups. A report by Politico, citing informed sources, stated that Mike Waltz, a prominent national security advisor, established these groups to discuss critical national security issues, potentially including classified information.
The leak, referred to as “Signalgate,” surfaced when a journalist from The Atlantic was unintentionally added to the chat group. Subsequently, Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, published the contents, providing evidence that contradicted claims from government officials regarding the absence of security risks. Notably, no officials from the chat group, including high-profile figures like Tulsi Gabbard and the Director of National Intelligence, have faced repercussions at this time.
According to the report, Signal, the encrypted messaging app, was utilized extensively for discussions on pivotal matters such as the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Israel-Hamas war, threats from China, and security-related issues in Africa and Europe. It appears that members of former President Donald Trump’s cabinet and senior personnel participated in these discussions, indicating a prevalent practice within the National Security Council (NSC).
Sources revealed that sensitive discussions occurred within these chat groups, though it remains unclear if classified information was shared. The leaked Yemen chat specifically contained operational elements, including details about the strike plan and weaponry used, which experts identify as potentially classified.
One source indicated that the creation of chat groups for various national security topics was standard practice. This suggests that the use of Signal was not merely a temporary measure but a fundamental aspect of the NSC’s communication strategy, reportedly initiated before Trump assumed office and enduring through the Signalgate incident.
Following the leak, officials from the Trump administration initially dismissed the seriousness of the situation but later faced mounting pressure, prompting bipartisan calls for investigations into potential security threats. While the exact participants in the additional Signal chat groups remain unspecified, it is likely that many included individuals similar to those involved in the Yemen chat, such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Vice President JD Vance.
Within the Yemen attack chat, specific military details were shared shortly before the operation, raising further concerns regarding the handling of sensitive information. Waltz publicly accepted responsibility for the mismanagement but maintained that no classified data was disseminated, a sentiment echoed by Trump administration officials in the wake of Signalgate’s fallout.
In summary, the revelations surrounding the Signal chat leak have prompted serious questions regarding national security protocols within the Trump administration. The potential existence of 20 additional chat groups suggests a systematic reliance on encrypted communication for discussing sensitive matters. With bipartisan calls for an investigation into these practices, the implications of the Signalgate incident could have far-reaching consequences for US national security leadership.
Original Source: www.wionews.com
