Leaked Chats: A Storm Brews Over Secretive Yemen Military Strike

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced scrutiny after text messages about a secret Yemen operation leaked. The texts, shared via Signal with The Atlantic's editor, sparked concerns over national security and calls for firings. The administration downplays risks, but criticism from Democrats persists.

A political firestorm has erupted in Washington after leaked text messages from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth revealed details about a covert military operation in Yemen. The communications, which reached The Atlantic's editor Jeffrey Goldberg via the encrypted app Signal, have provoked bipartisan concern over the potential breach of national security protocols and raised serious questions about the handling of sensitive military information.

In response to the leaks, the Trump administration has aimed to mitigate the fallout by asserting that no classified material was shared. Despite these assurances, skepticism remains high among Democrats and former officials who argue that even the release of timing and targeting details could jeopardize the operation's effectiveness and U.S. personnel safety.

While the chat did not explicitly detail Iranian-backed Houthi militant positions, the revelation coincided with concerns about potential civilian casualties. The White House, however, has expressed continued confidence in Hegseth, dismissing speculation around his potential dismissal. The Yemen strikes, although successful according to officials, leave unanswered questions regarding the broader implications of the leak for U.S. military operations.

(With inputs from agencies.)