WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) - The White House is currently investigating how a reporter was added to a group chat with national security officials discussing military plans against the Houthis in Yemen.
Over on Capitol Hill, many lawmakers were angry and demanded answers as to how this happened.
The
national security council has confirmed the message thread was authentic and is reviewing how the reporter’s number was added to the chain.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disputed reports of national security officials leaking military strategies in a group chat that included the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic.
"You're talking about a deceitful and highly discredited so-called journalist,” said Hegseth.
Monday, the Atlantic revealed the reporter was accidentally added to a group chat that included top members of the administration, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Hegseth and more.
"I don't know anything about it,” said Trump.
The president denies knowing of this incident. The Atlantic reported the chat took place in Signal, an encrypted messaging app, and detailed military operations against Houthi targets in Yemen on March 15th.
"This is reckless, irresponsible and dangerous,” said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.).
Democrats on Capitol Hill erupted over the leak at the hands of the president's administration.
"That suggests a really shocking, lack of situational awareness about exactly who was listening and exactly what the consequences were,” said Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.).
House Speaker Mike Johnson defended the administration.
"Clearly, I think the administration has acknowledged it was a mistake. And they will tighten up and make sure it doesn't happen again,” said Johnson.
Some lawmakers are calling for an investigation, as well as repercussions for the national security officials involved in this leak. ...read more read less
