Signal leak exposes controversial US plans for Yemen attack
The editor-in-chief of "The Atlantic" was, seemingly by accident, added to a group on the Signal app where US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and US Vice President J.D. Vance were discussing an attack on rebels in Yemen. Trump's deputy expressed strong displeasure with the idea. "I just hate bailing Europe out again," he wrote.
Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of "The Atlantic", recounted how on 11 March, he received an invitation on the Signal app from "Michael Waltz." The journalist was unsure if this was genuinely from the Trump national security advisor.
Two days later, Goldberg found himself added to a group named "Houthi PC small group." "Michael Waltz" mentioned that actions concerning the Houthis needed coordination over the next three days. The Houthi movement is an Iran-backed organisation that controls parts of Yemen. In recent years, they have increased attacks on commercial ships passing through the Suez Canal.
Goldberg consulted with his colleagues. They concluded the group might be part of a disinformation campaign targeting the Donald Trump administration. It was unlikely that top US officials would truly discuss battle plans on a private app. Goldberg's own presence in the group was also questionable.
Vance has doubts
As described by the journalist, a user identified as "JD Vance," the Vice President of the United States, was reported to have spoken in the group. He noted that he was in Michigan (indeed, the Vice President was there that day) but stated that attacking the Houthis was "a mistake."
"3 percent of US trade runs through the Suez. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message," wrote someone using an account allegedly belonging to Vance.
Additionally, the user expressed doubt over whether the President realised such an attack might undermine his previous actions on the European front. He also highlighted the potential rise in oil prices. "Vance" admitted he could keep these concerns to himself but suggested postponing the strike for, say, a month's time.
The next response in the group came from a user signed as "Pete Hegseth" - the Secretary of Defence. He acknowledged these doubts and mentioned the challenge of explaining the situation to the public, stating that "nobody knows who the Houthis are." He insisted the focus should be on two issues: "Biden failed" on Yemen and Iran's support for the Houthis.
"Hegseth" also believed that delaying actions posed additional risks, such as plans being leaked or another military encounter arising.
"This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered," argued the user signed as "Pete Hegseth."
"If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again" - wrote the user "JD Vance." The White House argues, indeed, that European countries benefit from the defensive actions of the US Navy.
"I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC," replied "Hegseth." However, he contended that only Americans could strike the Houthis.
A user described as "S M" - whom Goldberg identifies as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles - added her voice.
"As I heard it, the president was clear: green light, but we soon make clear to Egypt and Europe what we expect in return. We also need to figure out how to enforce such a requirement. EG, if Europe doesn’t remunerate, then what? If the US successfully restores freedom of navigation at great cost there needs to be some further economic gain extracted in return," wrote "S M."
Americans strike the Houthis in Yemen
Subsequently, a message from "Hegseth" detailed the planned attack in Yemen, specifying the exact location and the weapons to be used. As Goldberg describes, he couldn’t quite believe the conversation was real until 15 March, when American forces actually struck Yemeni rebel positions, targeting the Houthi Supreme Political Council headquarters, weapons warehouses, and command centres. Reports indicated dozens were killed and many others injured.
US President Donald Trump then announced that the US military had launched a "decisive and powerful" operation against the Iran-backed Yemeni Houthi rebels. "Our brave warfighters are now striking terrorist bases, leaders, and missile defenses to protect American ships and restore navigational freedom," the President announced on his social media service, Truth Social.
Waltz subsequently appeared on ABC television, highlighting the decisive actions of the Trump administration against the Houthis and criticising Joe Biden for his cautious approach.
A range of problems
As described by the editor-in-chief of "The Atlantic," there were around twelve people in the Signal group. He did not participate and no one showed interest in him - he was labelled as "J G." Goldberg then reached out to the administration regarding the group. Brian Hughes, spokesperson for the National Security Council, responded and confirmed that the messages on Signal appear "authentic" and they are currently investigating how the journalist ended up in the group.
This issue is not isolated - according to lawyers Goldberg consulted, using Signal for such discussions could violate federal regulations.
