The Atlantic has released a series of Signal messages detailing plans for a U.S. military strike in Yemen, sparking controversy and raising questions about national security practices. The messages, sent between top Trump administration officials, included details about the timing and weapons used in the attack on Houthi targets. The Atlantic's editor in chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently included in the Signal group chat, known as the "Houthi PC small group," by a staff member who works for National Security Adviser Michael Waltz.
The messages were shared with Goldberg two hours before the strikes began on Saturday (March 15), revealing sensitive operational details. Despite the administration's claims that the information was not classified, experts have expressed concerns about the use of nonsecure channels for such discussions. At a Senate hearing, both Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that no classified material was shared in the chat.
The Atlantic decided to publish the messages, citing a clear public interest in understanding the information shared through these nonsecure channels. The publication withheld certain details, such as the name of a CIA intelligence officer, but released most messages in image form. The texts revealed candid opinions from officials, including Vice President J.D. Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
They also included information from Hegseth about the timing of the attack.
"1215et: F-18s LAUNCH (1st strike package)”
“1345: ‘Trigger Based’ F-18 1st Strike Window Starts (Target Terrorist is @ his Known Location so SHOULD BE ON TIME – also, Strike Drones Launch (MQ-9s)”
“1410: More F-18s LAUNCH (2nd strike package)”
“1415: Strike Drones on Target (THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier ‘Trigger Based’ targets)”
“1536 F-18 2nd Strike Starts – also, first sea-based Tomahawks launched.”
After discussing the results of the strikes, Hegseth said that additional airstrikes were planned.
“Great job all. More strikes ongoing for hours tonight, and will provide full initial report tomorrow. But on time, on target, and good readouts so far.”
The incident has raised questions about the security practices of the Trump administration, with concerns that the information could have endangered American personnel if it had fallen into the wrong hands. The White House, while acknowledging the authenticity of the messages, objected to their release, emphasizing that the discussions were intended to be private.