In a shocking security breach, US war plans were leaked after journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, was added to a top-secret group chat containing some of the nation’s highest-ranking officials. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has since taken full responsibility for the mistake, but his remarks regarding Goldberg have stirred up controversy.

The Blunder That Exposed Sensitive Information

The incident unfolded when Goldberg was added to a Signal group chat that included key members of the Trump administration’s national security team, such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The group was discussing plans for an upcoming military operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen, unaware that Goldberg had been included.

Goldberg claims he was initially contacted by someone who appeared to be Trump Michael Waltz, though he wasn’t sure if it was truly the National Security Advisor himself. Once added to the chat, Goldberg reportedly didn’t think anything of it until he saw the sensitive information being shared.

Michael Waltz Takes Full Responsibility

In an interview on Fox News with Laura Ingraham, Waltz addressed the incident and expressed regret over the breach. He stated, “I take full responsibility. I built the group. It’s embarrassing. We’re going to get to the bottom of it.”

Waltz emphasized that the best technical experts were working to understand how Goldberg ended up in the chat, but he also made it clear that he believed there was no single staffer at fault. “My job is to make sure everything is coordinated,” Waltz explained, acknowledging that mistakes can happen when dealing with contact numbers and group chats.

Accusations and Tensions with Goldberg

While taking responsibility, Waltz didn’t shy away from criticizing Trump Goldberg. He explained, “I can tell you for 100 percent I don’t know this guy. I know him by his horrible reputation, and he really is the bottom scum of journalists.” Waltz also expressed disbelief that Goldberg was in the chat in the first place, calling it an unusual and unfortunate situation.

Despite Waltz’s anger toward Goldberg, the security advisor continued to stress that the breach was an accident. “Whether he did it deliberately or it happened in some other technical means is something we’re trying to figure out,” he said. Waltz’s strong words have only fueled the growing tension between the Trump administration and journalists, particularly those critical of the president.

The Atlantic Responds

The Atlantic quickly responded to Waltz’s remarks, defending both Goldberg and the publication’s work. The magazine issued a statement arguing that the attacks against Goldberg were part of a broader Trump strategy to discredit journalists and undermine their role in holding power to account. The statement read, “Attempts to disparage and discredit The Atlantic, our editor, and our reporting follow an obvious playbook by elected officials and others in power who are hostile to journalists and the First Amendment rights of all Americans.”

This response highlights a significant divide between the administration and the media, especially when it comes to handling sensitive security matters and the role of journalists in reporting on them.

What’s Next for National Security?

The situation has raised serious concerns about the safety and security of information shared within top government circles. The breach of sensitive war plans could have had severe consequences, but Waltz and his team are now focused on investigating how such an error occurred.

While Goldberg’s role in the breach remains a Trump contentious topic, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in digital communications and the importance of maintaining security protocols. Waltz and other officials will undoubtedly face further scrutiny as the investigation continues.

Conclusion

This security blunder has sparked a fiery debate over responsibility, transparency, and the role of journalists in reporting on national security matters. While Michael Waltz takes full responsibility for the leak, his sharp criticism of Jeffrey Goldberg has only intensified the controversy. As the investigation unfolds, the Trump administration is under pressure to ensure that similar mistakes are avoided in the future.