Concerns Emerge Over Secret Signal Chats Established by Mike Waltz

A report suggests Mike Waltz may have set up over 20 secret Signal chat groups to discuss national security, following the leak of a chat detailing a Yemen attack. The communication practice raises concerns over possible sharing of classified information. Following the leak, bipartisan inquiries have been initiated regarding potential security risks.

As the U.S. security establishment grapples with the repercussions of leaked Yemen attack plans, a report indicates that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz may have established at least 20 additional Signal chat groups for discussing critical national security issues. According to a Politico report published on April 3, 2023, these chat groups were reportedly used to discuss significant matters such as the ongoing war in Ukraine, the conflict between Israel and Hamas, and U.S. policies concerning China.

The latest findings emerged following the leak of a confidential Signal chat detailing the March 15 Yemen attack, which occurred when a journalist from The Atlantic inadvertently joined the group. The publication’s editor, Jeffrey Goldberg, subsequently released the full chat, contradicting assertions from government officials who claimed no sensitive information had been compromised. Dubbed ‘Signalgate’, this leak put pressure on officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, with no repercussions initiated to date.

The Politico report suggests that using Signal, an encryption messaging application, has become a standard procedure for the NSC in coordinating national security discussions. While it remains unclear whether classified information was shared in these 20 chat groups, sources stated that sensitive topics were frequently addressed. For example, the Yemen attack chat included specific operational details that experts categorize as classified.

One source described the creation of these chats as commonplace, indicating that Waltz established a communication process centered on Signal as a standard in the NSC. It is believed that this practice may have begun during the transition period before President Trump assumed office and persisted until the recent leak.

Following the revelations surrounding Signalgate, both Republican and Democratic lawmakers have called for inquiries into potential security risks stemming from these chats. While names of additional participants in the alleged Signal chat groups remain unconfirmed, it is suggested that they could include the same members from the Yemen chat, where specific military strategies were discussed.

Waltz, addressing the fallout, acknowledged taking “full responsibility” for the missteps while maintaining that no classified information was disclosed, a claim echoed by Trump and administration officials as they emphasized the success of the Yemen operation.

In conclusion, the recent report raises serious concerns regarding the establishment of multiple Signal chat groups within the National Security Council under Mike Waltz’s directives. The leaked chat about the Yemen attack, which included sensitive operational details, has prompted bipartisan calls for investigations into national security vulnerabilities. As the controversy evolves, the implications for the integrity of U.S. national security communications remain significant.

Original Source: www.wionews.com