U.S. President Donald Trump has refused to remove officials from his administration following a security lapse involving the encrypted messaging platform Signal, which inadvertently exposed discussions about a potential military strike targeting Houthi forces in Yemen. The incident, described by Trump as 'fake news' during an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker, has raised concerns about transparency and protocol in high-stakes decision-making.
National security adviser Mike Waltz allegedly included The Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg in a confidential group chat outlining strategic plans for Yemen. Trump defended Waltz and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, stating the error did not warrant disciplinary action. Critics argue the breach underscores vulnerabilities in secure communication channels used by U.S. officials.
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions in Yemen's conflict, where Houthi rebels remain a focal point of regional instability. Analysts suggest the incident may prompt stricter controls over digital platforms in governmental operations.
