The Pentagon has issued a warning against using the Signal messaging app, citing a vulnerability that Russian hackers are exploiting. According to an internal memo obtained by NPR, these hackers are using Signal’s “linked devices” feature to spy on encrypted conversations.
The memo explicitly states that Russian professional hacking groups are targeting individuals of interest through this method. While the issue is not with Signal’s core security, the concern is that phishing tactics could trick users into linking their devices to malicious accounts, thereby compromising sensitive information.
Trump Officials Accidentally Leak Military Plans in Signal Chat with Journalist
This warning comes in the wake of a major security mishap involving the Trump administration. A group of high-level national security officials mistakenly included The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, in a Signal group chat discussing military strikes in Yemen.
The conversation detailed plans for bombing Houthi targets, including timing, weaponry, and strategy. This egregious mistake, which exposed classified military discussions, would likely have ended multiple careers in past administrations. However, in today’s political climate, the long-term consequences remain uncertain.
Pentagon Warns of Signal Vulnerability as Trump Officials Leak Military Plans in Chat BlunderThe leaked Signal chat included top Trump administration officials such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, National Security Adviser Michael Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Intelligence Director Tulsi Gabbard, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, and Deputy White House Chief of Staff Stephen Miller.
The inadvertent inclusion of a journalist in such a sensitive conversation has raised serious concerns about the administration’s operational security. Military planning is classified at a much higher level than controlled unclassified information, making this breach particularly alarming.
Leaked Messages Reveal Political Bias in National Security and Military Decisions
The Atlantic article covering the leak revealed not only the security blunder but also the political motivations behind the discussions. One of the leaked messages from Hegseth expressed disdain for European allies, calling their lack of military contributions “PATHETIC.” Another message suggested that the administration should frame the Yemen strikes as a failure of President Biden while emphasizing Iranian involvement. The chat further reinforced concerns that national security decisions were being influenced by political narratives rather than strategic military planning.
Despite the White House confirming the authenticity of the chat, Pete Hegseth later appeared on camera to deny it. Meanwhile, the controversy continues to unfold, with lawmakers demanding accountability. On Capitol Hill, retired US Navy captain and current senator Mark Kelly grilled intelligence officials Tulsi Gabbard and John Ratcliffe about the breach. As investigations proceed, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of digital communication mishandling at the highest levels of government.
