A fiery dispute erupted Monday after The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg accused Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of sharing military attack plans in a private group chat. Goldberg’s report, which detailed how Trump administration officials allegedly discussed real-time targeting strategies against Houthi rebels, sent shockwaves through Washington.
Hegseth strongly denied the allegations, telling reporters, “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that.” However, Goldberg countered this claim in an interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, stating, “That’s a lie. He was texting war plans.”
Goldberg’s report described a high-level group chat involving top Trump-era officials, including Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. The messages reportedly contained sensitive details, such as when and how attacks would be carried out and who was at the targets. The revelation has raised serious concerns about national security and the handling of classified information.
Hegseth Calls Goldberg ‘Deceitful’ as Fallout Grows
As the controversy gained momentum, Hegseth launched a scathing attack on Goldberg, dismissing him as “a deceitful and highly discredited, so-called journalist who’s made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again.” The sharp response reflects growing tensions between the Biden administration’s Pentagon leadership and Trump-era national security figures.
Goldberg described his realization of the situation while sitting in a Safeway parking lot, watching his phone. “Oh my God, this might be real. I think Pete Hegseth just sent this group actual targeting information, actual sequencing of an attack,” he recalled.
The National Security Council confirmed the existence of the chat through spokesperson Brian Hughes, though the extent of its contents remains unclear. The Department of Defense has yet to release an official statement on the matter.
This developing story raises critical questions about military communications, security protocols, and the influence of former officials on current U.S. defense strategy. As investigations unfold, the debate over classified leaks and journalistic integrity will likely intensify.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.