The Atlantic magazine has released what it claims is the complete text of a chat group that was inadvertently shared with a journalist by senior US national security officials, detailing plans for an imminent attack on Yemen.
The specifics, including strike timings and aircraft types, were fully outlined in screenshots from the chat, which the officials held on the commercial Signal messaging app rather than a secure government platform.
The magazine, which initially provided only the general framework of the chat, stated it is now sharing the details after the Trump administration confirmed the authenticity and repeatedly asserted that no classified information was included.
This controversy has shaken President Donald Trump’s administration, which is currently responding defiantly by criticizing The Atlantic and denying any misconduct.
Nonetheless, Vice President JD Vance, a participant in the Signal chat, remarked that The Atlantic had “oversold” the narrative, while White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt referred to the entire story as another “hoax.”
National Security Advisor Mike Waltz also asserted on X that the Signal conversation revealed “no locations” and “NO WAR PLANS.”
However, the extensive details now published from the chat will likely provoke a strong backlash from Democrats in Congress, who are accusing the Trump officials of incompetence and jeopardizing US military operations.
The House of Representatives planned to address the scandal in a hearing today.
No locations.
No sources & methods.
NO WAR PLANS.
Foreign partners had already been notified that strikes were imminent.
BOTTOM LINE: President Trump is safeguarding America and our interests.
— Mike Waltz (@MikeWaltz47) March 26, 2025
The story first emerged on Monday when Atlantic journalist Jeffrey Goldberg reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared information in the Signal chat regarding imminent strikes against the Houthi rebels on 15 March.
For unknown reasons, Mr. Goldberg’s phone number had been added to the group, which also included Central Intelligence Agency Director John Ratcliffe, among others.
Mr. Goldberg additionally revealed disparaging remarks made by top US officials about European allies during their conversation.
The Atlantic initially refrained from publishing the specific details of the chat, stating a desire to avoid revealing classified material and information that could endanger American troops.
However, yesterday, Mr. Ratcliffe and other officials involved in the chat downplayed the scandal, testifying before Congress that nothing critical had been shared, no laws were broken, and that nothing discussed was classified.
Mr. Trump himself dismissed the breach as a “glitch” and asserted there was “no classified information” involved.
Consequently, The Atlantic asked the government if there would be any objections to publishing the remaining material under those circumstances.
No firm indications to the contrary were provided.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has faced criticism for messages he allegedly sent in the Signal chat.
The chat’s text reportedly showcases Hegseth detailing the timing of attacks.
The Atlantic stated that its complete publication included everything from the Signal chain except one CIA name that the agency requested not to be disclosed.
The discussions documented weather conditions, strike timings, and the types of aircraft being utilized.
The texting occurred just half an hour before the first US warplanes launched and two hours before the first target, referred to as “Target Terrorist,” was expected to be bombed.
A segment of the conversation published by The Atlantic
The details are alarmingly specific for an operation that the public usually learns about only later and in broader terms.
“1410: More F-18s LAUNCH (2nd strike package),” Mr. Hegseth writes at one point.
“1415: Strike Drones on Target (THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP, pending earlier ‘Trigger Based’ targets).”
A short time later, Mr. Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz sent real-time intelligence regarding the aftermath of an attack, writing, “Building collapsed. Had multiple positive ID” and “amazing job.”
The Houthi rebels, who have held much of Yemen for over a decade, are part of the “axis of resistance” comprising pro-Iran groups firmly against Israel and the US.
The Trump administration has intensified attacks on this group in response to ongoing Houthi attempts to disrupt and sink shipping through the strategic Red Sea.
