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White House in Turmoil Over Accidental Leak in Military Chat
The recent incident in which top officials mistakenly included a journalist in a sensitive group chat about military strategies has sparked intense discussions and considerations within the White House. Speculation has arisen that national security adviser Mike Waltz may face significant repercussions, potentially including removal from his position.
Decisions regarding Waltz’s future remain pending, as White House insiders indicated that President Donald Trump would ultimately determine the course of action in the coming days, particularly after monitoring reactions to this embarrassing episode.
A senior administration member revealed that discussions about Waltz are ongoing across multiple communication threads among staff, particularly after a shocking report detailed how the national security adviser mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor in chief of the Atlantic, in a chat regarding military actions against the Houthis.
“There is a strong sentiment that he may not survive this situation,” noted the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions. Some high-ranking aides have even suggested that Waltz ought to resign to shield the president from negative fallout.
Critics have described the situation as negligent, highlighting the need for caution, especially in discussions of such critical nature through encrypted platforms like Signal. “There is no room for such recklessness in the position of national security adviser,” emphasized the anonymous official.
An individual familiar with the White House inner workings was more forthright in their criticism: “The consensus in the White House is clear: Mike Waltz has made a grave mistake.”
On March 11, Goldberg reportedly received an invitation to join a Signal chat from a “Mike Waltz.” He soon found himself in a conversation titled “Houthi PC small group,” alongside several prominent figures, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard.
Despite the serious implications, a third source indicated that Trump has conferred with Waltz about the incident but for now continues to express confidence in his adviser.
In a statement, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt conveyed, “President Trump has noted the effectiveness of actions against the Houthis and maintains full confidence in his national security team, including Mike Waltz.” However, the press office chose not to elaborate further on the situation.
Some within the administration acknowledge the mounting pressure on Waltz to acknowledge his mistake, which could lead to his resignation. However, opinions vary, as some suggest the outcome will depend heavily on Trump’s personal feelings about the incident. Observers noted that other officials’ involvement in the group chat could complicate matters.
As discussions continue, two officials suggested that while Waltz may bear the brunt of the blame, Trump might also find fault with Vance for commenting outside the established foreign policy parameters or Hegseth for revealing sensitive information.
Vance reportedly expressed concern regarding the timing and potential economic consequences of military actions in the region, advocating for a more measured approach that takes market implications into account.
The incident has provided an opportunity for long-standing critics of Waltz, particularly those skeptical of his neoconservative links, to advocate for his ousting. His past advisory role to former Vice President Dick Cheney has come under particular scrutiny, with isolationist conservatives questioning his connections.
Some members of Congress have voiced their worries regarding the breach of security protocols, with Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) labeling the incident “unconscionable.” Similarly, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) expressed that his committee would definitely scrutinize the matter.
The prevailing sentiment among defense hawks is particularly striking, as they have typically viewed Waltz as a key ally in the current administration amidst a more isolationist stance.
Despite the backlash, the close associate stated that they did not foresee significant long-term repercussions for Trump or his administration, aside from the potential fallout for Waltz.
“It is likely that overall, Trump and the Administration will navigate through this incident without severe penalties, but Waltz’s position could be in jeopardy,” the individual remarked.
On the other hand, some Republicans are hopeful that Waltz will remain in his role. While many GOP members have acknowledged that someone would need to shoulder the blame, House Republicans have rallied in support of Waltz.
Speaker Mike Johnson asserted that Waltz should “absolutely not” resign, lauding his qualifications and trustworthiness. “He is well-suited for his position, and I have full confidence in his capabilities,” Johnson remarked.
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