Jeffrey Goldberg’s Unintended Access to US Military Strategy on Yemen
The article discusses Jeffrey Goldberg’s unexpected journey into sensitive military discussions following a Signal request from Michael Waltz. It highlights Trump’s military action against Yemen’s Houthis and the unusual inclusion of a journalist in a secretive principals committee talk about national security. Goldberg’s experience underscores the rare intersection of journalism and high-level government strategy.
On March 15, Donald Trump initiated military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis, issuing a warning to Iran regarding its support for the group following attacks on shipping in the Red Sea. Surprisingly, an ordinary message on Signal changed the course for journalist Jeffrey Goldberg after he received a connection request from Michael Waltz, a national security adviser to Trump, on March 11.
Goldberg, who holds a significant role as editor-in-chief at The Atlantic, briefly entertained the possibility of impersonation due to the Trump administration’s strained relationship with the media. Nevertheless, he accepted the request, anticipating discussions on relevant global topics such as Ukraine or Iran.
Two days later, Goldberg was notified about his inclusion in a Signal group chat labeled “Houthi PC small group,” which immediately indicated to him the conversation pertained to sensitive Houthi-related issues in Yemen.
The first message in the chat came from Waltz, revealing a serious agenda. He wrote, “Team – establishing a principles [sic] group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours. My deputy Alex Wong is pulling together a tiger team at deputies/agency Chief of Staff level…” This statement shocked Goldberg, recognizing that “principals committee” denotes top national security officials like secretaries of defense and state.
In his account, Goldberg noted the rarity of journalists partaking in such high-level discussions, especially pertaining to national security matters. Despite his extensive experience in the field, this marked an unprecedented opportunity for him. The exchange concluded with a request for coordination with their top staff, further illustrating the urgency and secretiveness of the operation being planned.
In summary, Jeffrey Goldberg’s unexpected access to a Signal group chat involving high-ranking officials illustrates the complexities of military communications and the involvement of journalists in national security discourse. The incident exemplifies how routine interactions can lead to significant leaks of strategic information, emphasizing the delicate balance between government operations and media engagement.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
