London Daily

Focus on the big picture.
Saturday, Mar 21, 2026

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz Under Investigation After Journalist Added to Secret Military Chat

White House probes security breach after senior officials shared classified details about Yemen strike in encrypted group with unintended participant
The White House has launched an internal investigation after National Security Advisor Mike Waltz mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to a private Signal group chat used by senior administration officials.

The chat included discussions of classified military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen.

Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, reported that he was added to the Signal group, titled 'Houthi PC small group', on March 13, four days before U.S. airstrikes were carried out.

The group included high-ranking officials such as Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe.

The chat contained sensitive operational information, including strike timing, weapon deployment, and target details.

Goldberg confirmed that the information shared in the chat aligned with the actual strike timeline on March 15. He stated that his presence in the group went unnoticed by participants.

Some messages in the group were configured for auto-deletion, with timeframes ranging from one hour to one week, raising concerns about potential violations of federal record-keeping laws.

Defense Secretary Hegseth denied sharing classified war plans and accused Goldberg of misrepresentation.

Goldberg responded publicly, asserting that Hegseth manually typed operational data into the chat.

While Signal is widely used among U.S. government personnel for logistical coordination, it is not approved for classified communication.

Security experts noted that transferring sensitive information from encrypted government systems to an unclassified platform would require manual copying, suggesting possible breaches of national security protocols.

White House officials acknowledged the authenticity of the chat and stated that President Trump was unaware of the incident until informed by reporters.

Trump criticized Goldberg but did not comment on whether action would be taken against Waltz.

Internal sources suggest discussions are ongoing about whether Waltz will resign or be dismissed.

Some officials have described the incident as a serious lapse in protocol, while others have expressed concern over the political fallout.

Democratic lawmakers condemned the event, calling it a severe breach of security.

Republican reactions were mixed, with some defending the intentions behind the chat, while others labeled the situation as a major failure.

A Senate hearing is scheduled today with Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who also participated in the Signal group.

The incident has sparked broader scrutiny of encrypted messaging use among senior U.S. officials for sensitive matters.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Lord Walney Warns of Expanding Iranian Influence Networks Within the United Kingdom
Iranian National Among Two Arrested After Attempt to Access UK Nuclear Submarine Base
Deregulation, Artificial Intelligence, and Fraud Laws Reshape UK Financial Services Landscape
UK Considers Lower Speed Limits to Reduce Fuel Use Amid Escalating Energy Crisis
UK Borrowing Costs Surge to Post-Crisis High as Markets React to Inflation and War Risks
UK Government Prepares Emergency Economic Measures as Iran Conflict Fuels Financial Risks
Meningitis B Outbreak in the UK Raises Urgent Health Warnings as Cases Surge
Iran Issues Stark Warning to Britain Over US Base Access Amid Expanding Conflict
United Kingdom Authorizes US Strikes from British Bases as Iran Threatens Key Shipping Routes
Reform UK Suspends Scottish Candidate Following Financial Misconduct Allegations
Apple issues an unusual warning: this is how your iPhone can be hacked without you doing anything
UK and Nigeria Reach Agreement to Accelerate Return of Irregular Migrants
UK Sets New Aid Priorities Following Significant Budget Reductions
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
Cyprus President Urges Open Dialogue Over Future of British Sovereign Base Areas
UK Plans 50% Steel Tariffs in Bold Move to Protect Domestic Industry
Iran Conflict Sends Shockwaves Through UK Economy as Energy Costs and Trade Risks Surge
UK Health Officials Warn Kent Meningitis Outbreak Still Active as Cases Continue to Rise
UK Climate Progress Faces Scrutiny Over Reliance on Carbon Accounting Methods
UK Deploys Advisers to United States to Shape Plan for Reopening Strait of Hormuz
Amazon Bets on AI-Driven Alexa Upgrade to Revive UK Smart Speaker Market
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
UK Abortion Law Changes Spark Strong Response from Church Leaders and Pro-Life Advocates
GB News Faces Regulatory Complaints Over On-Air Remarks on ‘Genocide’ Claims
UK Signals Expanded Support for Gulf Allies as Iranian Attacks Intensify Regional Threats
UK VAT Decision Opens Path for Potential Refunds to U.S. Biopharma Firms
UK and Canada Advance ‘Middle Power’ Strategy to Shape Global Influence Beyond Superpowers
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
Google Explores AI Opt-Out Features in Search to Address UK Regulatory Concerns
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Fuel Prices Poised to Surge as Global Tensions Drive Oil Market Volatility
UK Holds Back on Hormuz Escort Mission While Continuing Talks with Allies
TrumpRx Pricing Platform Faces Scrutiny as Some Medicines Remain Costlier Than in the UK
UK, Netherlands and Finland Explore Joint Defence Investment Bank to Boost Military Capability
Deadly Meningitis Outbreak in Kent Raises Alarm as Cases Surge and Emergency Response Expands
UK Security Adviser Viewed US-Iran Nuclear Deal as Within Reach Before Sudden Escalation
UK Prime Minister Urges Continued Focus on Ukraine Amid Escalating Iran Conflict
UK Introduces New Safeguards to Shield Lenders from Bank Run Risks
UK Promotional Products Market Surpasses £1.3 Billion as Demand Strengthens in 2025
Reeves Pushes for Deeper UK-EU Economic Ties to Revive Growth
UK Security Adviser Saw No Imminent Iranian Nuclear Threat Days Before War Erupted
France Signals Warm Welcome for UK Return to EU Single Market Amid Renewed Cooperation Talks
UK Defence Official Criticises Boeing Over Delays to E-7 Wedgetail Programme
UK Urged to Secure Quantum Talent as Minister Warns Against Repeating AI Setbacks
UK Mayors Set to Gain New Spending Powers Under Reeves’ Fiscal Devolution Plan
Western Allies Urge Restraint as Israel Weighs Expanded Ground Operation in Lebanon
Trump Warns NATO Faces ‘Very Bad’ Future Without Stronger Allied Support in Iran Conflict
UK Minister Says Britain Not Bound to Support Every Demand From U.S. President
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
Starmer Tells Trump Britain Will Not Be Drawn Into Wider Iran War
×