War Plans Leak: Pete Hegseth’s Position in Jeopardy After Sensitive Yemen Strike Details Surface
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s future in his role is uncertain after top secret war plans concerning a Yemen strike were disclosed to a journalist and subsequently published in full on Wednesday morning. The revelation of these sensitive details, including precise timings and weapons systems for a strike on Yemen on March 15, has ignited a firestorm in Washington. This breach of classified information raises serious questions about operational security and potential risks to American forces.
Defense Secretary Denies Leak, Then Full Plans Released
Despite initial denials from the Defense Secretary, who dismissed claims of shared classified information and questioned the legitimacy of the reported chat, text messages sent to senior cabinet officials have now surfaced. These messages detail specific timings and weapons systems employed in the Yemen strikes on March 15, directly contradicting previous assertions.
Details of Leaked Strike Plans
Hegseth, formerly a Fox News journalist, is alleged to have divulged precise operational particulars, including the launch time of F-18s for a ‘first strike package,’ the model of MQ-9 drones slated for deployment, and the anticipated moment of ‘first bomb’ impact. This level of detail being leaked raises concerns about compromised military protocols.
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Troop Safety Potentially Compromised
The disclosure of this information via an unsecured group chat allegedly placed American troops at risk, by revealing exact details of a planned air strike approximately 31 minutes prior to the initial bomb deployment. Such premature disclosure could have provided adversaries with crucial time to prepare and react, escalating danger for military personnel.
Intelligence Officials Previously Denied Leak
Adding to the complexity, Director of National Security Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe had testified before the Senate mere hours prior to the latest revelations, denying any dissemination of classified material via the Signal chat – of which they were participants. Both officials are now expected to face further questioning before the House later on Wednesday in light of these developments.
Full Yemen Attack Plans Published
The complete Yemen attack plans, communicated within a group chat among high-ranking Trump administration officials via the encrypted messaging service Signal, were made public by The Atlantic on Wednesday morning. This public release contrasts starkly with initial attempts to downplay the significance of the shared information.
Initial Report Withheld Key Details
In their initial reporting, The Atlantic had intentionally omitted messages containing specific timings and weapon specifications. This redaction was seemingly done to avoid immediate security breaches or panic. However, subsequent events led to a change in approach.
Publication Follows Administration Denials
Following denials from President Donald Trump and numerous administration officials involved in the Signal group chat, who insisted no classified information was discussed on the platform, The Atlantic deemed it necessary to publish screenshots of the entire exchange. This decision underscores the tension between government denials and journalistic imperatives to inform the public.
Messages Reveal Specific Attack Plans
These newly unveiled messages demonstrate that officials were indeed engaged in discussing highly specific operational plans for an impending attack targeting a Houthi ‘terrorist threat.’ The level of detail goes beyond general strategic discussions and delves into tactical specifics.
Hegseth’s Message Detailing Strike
On the morning of March 15, Hegseth reportedly provided a team update within the ‘Houthi PC small group’ chat, confirming Central Command (Centcom)’s ‘GO for mission launch.’ He also specified the planned utilization of F-18s and MQ-9 drones during the ‘strike window’ against the designated ‘target terrorist.’ Centcom serves as the military’s combatant command for operations in the Middle East region.
Hegseth further emphasized ‘OPSEC’ – operational security – but proceeded to share the detailed timeline shortly after.
Timeline of Launches and Weaponry Disclosed
Subsequently, Hegseth disseminated a timeline encompassing launch sequences for the bombings and precise weaponry intended for use in the attacks. This information was shared a full 31 minutes before the initial launch of U.S. warplanes and two hours before the anticipated neutralization of the Houthi ‘target terrorist’.
Disappearing Messages Activated
Shortly after Hegseth transmitted the message containing the comprehensive timeline, Waltz reportedly adjusted the Signal chat settings to enable automatic message deletion after a four-week period. This action raises questions about potential efforts to control the lifespan of the digital communication.
“Godspeed to our Warriors” Message
Among the messages within the chat, which mistakenly included journalist Jeffrey Goldberg, Hegseth conveyed a message of ‘Godspeed to our Warriors.’ This message, while seemingly innocuous, is now part of the public record in the context of the leaked plans.
Administration Dismisses Report as “Hoax”
The Trump administration is reportedly attempting to downplay and discredit the recently released report, labeling it a ‘hoax.’ They argue that the updated revelations demonstrate that the initial publication sensationalized the Signal chat by terming it ‘war plans,’ and are now attempting to reframe it as merely ‘attack plans.’
Officials React to Report
Vice President J.D. Vance reacted to the report on social media, claiming, ‘It’s very clear Goldberg oversold what he had,’ and highlighted the term ‘attack plans’ in the headline. Similarly, White House Deputy Chief of Staff Taylor Budowich asserted that ‘The Atlantic has already abandoned their bulls*** ‘war plans’ narrative, and in releasing the full chat, they concede they LIED…’. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, stating, ‘This entire story was another hoax written by a Trump-hater…’
Journalist Defends Reporting
In his follow-up report, Goldberg defends his publication’s actions, stating, ‘If this text had been received by someone hostile to American interests—or someone merely indiscreet, and with access to social media—the Houthis would have had time to prepare… The consequences for American pilots could have been catastrophic.’
Intelligence Officials’ Earlier Denials Under Scrutiny
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, both participants in the now-public Signal chat, had appeared before a Senate hearing on worldwide threats on Tuesday. The timing of this public inquiry occurred directly after the initial Atlantic report emerged, detailing the utilization of a communications app for discussing specific plans to bomb Yemen.
Officials Questioned on Signal Chat
During the hearing, Gabbard and Ratcliffe, along with FBI Director Kash Patel, were questioned about the Signal chat. They consistently denied that any classified information had been exchanged. Gabbard explicitly told members of the Senate Intelligence Committee, ‘There was no classified material that was shared in that Signal group.’
Chat Origins and Initial Report
National Security Advisor Michael Waltz initiated the chat and inadvertently included Goldberg. The journalist published his initial story regarding the chat only after the Yemen attack had been executed. Waltz also vehemently denied any classified discussions within the chat during a Cabinet meeting at the White House, receiving continued support from President Trump.
Concerns Raised Within the Chat
Notably, within the Signal chat itself, Vice President J.D. Vance expressed apprehension regarding the timing of the strike, stating, ‘I think we are making a mistake.’ Joe Kent, representing DNI Gabbard, concurred with Vance, suggesting there was no urgency. CIA Director Ratcliffe also indicated that a delay ‘would not negatively impact us,’ suggesting internal debate and differing opinions on the operation’s execution.