3 days ago
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President Donald Trump, left, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth listen during an event in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington. (AP/PTI)
In an extraordinary breach of national-security protocol, top officials from the
Trump administration
planned and debated a
military strike on Yemen
using the encrypted messaging app Signal—accidentally including a journalist in the process. The group chat, titled “Houthi PC small group,” featured high-ranking members of the administration, including Cabinet officials, White House advisers, and designated points of contact from multiple federal agencies. The operation, which targeted
Iran-backed Houthi militants
, was discussed in detail—complete with emojis, real-time updates, and political messaging strategy. Here's a breakdown of the key players involved in what may be the most unsecured war room in modern history.
Participants in the “Houthi PC small group” Signal chat
1. Michael Waltz – National Security Adviser
Creator of the chat. Led coordination, shared detailed updates, and added participants—including journalist Jeffrey Goldberg by apparent mistake.
2. Pete Hegseth – Secretary of Defense
Operational lead. Shared target lists and strike details. Argued for immediate execution, citing strategic and political urgency.
3. JD Vance – Vice President
Voiced economic and messaging concerns but supported the operation. Closed his final message with a prayer for victory.
4. Marco Rubio (“MAR”) – Secretary of State
Named Mike Needham as State’s liaison. Praised the operation’s success post-strike.
5. Joe Kent – Nominee, Director of the National Counterterrorism Center
Designated by DNI. Cautioned against rushing the strike, suggesting more time for strategic framing.
6. Tulsi Gabbard (“TG”) – Director of National Intelligence (DNI)
Nominated Kent as DNI's point person. Later applauded the results of the military operation.
7. John Ratcliffe – CIA Director
Contributed intelligence-relevant messages. Participated in post-strike commentary and praise.
8. Susie Wiles – White House Chief of Staff
Cheered CENTCOM’s performance. Played a morale-boosting role in the group.
9. Stephen Miller (“S M”) – Deputy White House Chief of Staff
Confirmed Trump’s go-ahead. Advocated for demanding concessions from Europe and Egypt post-operation.
10. Steve Witkoff – Special Envoy for the Middle East and Ukraine
Reacted enthusiastically post-strike. Known for his close ties to Trump’s inner circle.
11. Brian McCormack – National Security Council Official
Included as the NSC’s representative. His activity in the thread wasn’t detailed, but his inclusion reflects institutional coordination.
12. Dan Caldwell – Department of Defense Liaison
Named by Hegseth as DoD’s point person for the operation.
13. Mike Needham – Counselor to the State Department
Designated by Rubio to represent State in follow-up planning and coordination.
14. Andy Baker – Representative from the Vice President’s Office
Named by JD Vance as his liaison for operational coordination.
15. Dan Katz – Treasury Department Liaison
Selected by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to represent Treasury in the group.
16. Jeffrey Goldberg (accidental) – Editor in Chief, The Atlantic
Added inadvertently. Observed the planning, verified the strike in real time, and later reported the incident. His presence went unnoticed throughout.
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