Mike Waltz calls Yemen Signal chat leak “embarrassing"

U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz admitted on Tuesday that he created the Signal chat where sensitive details about U.S. strikes on Yemen were shared — and called the episode “embarrassing.”

In an interview with Fox News, Waltz confirmed that he set up the encrypted group chat, which included senior Trump administration officials and — mistakenly — The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg. The journalist revealed on Monday (March 24) that he had received detailed military information about the Yemen strikes shortly before they began on March 15.

Goldberg said the information, posted by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, included target locations, weapons systems, and the sequencing of U.S. airstrikes. He read the message from a supermarket parking lot.

The Trump administration insisted no classified information was shared in the chat. Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe both said the content was not classified — but acknowledged that Hegseth would ultimately decide what is considered classified defense information.

Democratic lawmakers and former intelligence officials, however, expressed alarm, saying that such targeting data is among the most tightly guarded materials ahead of military operations.

Asked whether more information from the chat might be published, Waltz said he did not “want it all out there,” indicating concern over further fallout.

The administration continues to face criticism over the leak, which has triggered fresh debate over digital security, operational discipline, and the handling of sensitive material within the highest levels of government.

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