Trump’s National Security Adviser Accidentally Invited a Journalist to Classified Yemen Strike Briefing

In an unprecedented security breach, the National Security Adviser under Donald Trump inadvertently added a journalist to a confidential group briefing regarding the bombing of Houthi rebels in Yemen. The White House confirmed on March 24, 2025, that the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic was mistakenly included among recipients of classified information about an upcoming military operation against the Houthi rebels in Yemen. This significant lapse in security protocol is currently under investigation. According to Brian Hughs, a representative of the National Security Council, “the message chain referenced in the article appears authentic, and we are investigating how a number was erroneously added to the recipients.” Earlier that day, journalist Jeffrey Goldberg revealed in an extensive article how he had been added to a Signal encrypted messaging group receiving detailed plans for the March 15th attack against Houthi rebels in Yemen. He noted that Defense Secretary Peter Hengseth sent him the attack plan two hours before its commencement, including specifics about weapons, targets, and timelines. The initial communication began with information from National Security Adviser Mike Wolts on March 11 via Signal, a platform popular among journalists and politicians due to its privacy assurances. Days later, a message referred to coordinating actions against the Houthis. Recipients of these messages included Vice President Jay Di Vans, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliff. By March 15, Goldberg received updates from top U.S. government officials, like Defense Secretary Pit Hengseth, about impending strikes in Yemen. Goldberg expressed disbelief at the National Security Council’s carelessness in involving him in such sensitive discussions.