In a recent blunder that has rattled the White House, National Security Advisor Mike Waltz found himself in hot water after he accidentally added a journalist to a sensitive Signal group chat about military strikes in Yemen.
According to sources close to President Donald Trump, Waltz’s mistake has left the president seething, even considering firing him over the incident.
The Leak That Sparked Controversy
The slip-up occurred when Waltz, who served as an official during President George W. Bush’s administration, mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, in a group chat where White House officials were discussing plans for a military attack on Houthi targets in Yemen.
After the leak was discovered, Waltz appeared on Fox News, admitting his mistake but asserting that his team would investigate how it happened.
Despite publicly expressing support for Waltz, Trump’s frustration was evident behind the scenes.
Sources reveal that Trump questioned his aides about whether he should fire Waltz over the mistake, reflecting his anger over the breach of security and the connection to Goldberg, a journalist the president has long criticized.
Calls for Waltz’s Dismissal
Following the leak, several key figures within Trump’s inner circle, including Vice President JD Vance and Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, reportedly urged the president to let Waltz go.
However, Trump hesitated to make a decision, in part because he wanted to avoid the high turnover rate that plagued his first term.
For now, Waltz remains in his position, though it’s unclear how long his job security will last.
Some White House sources suggest that his tenure may be short-lived, with one insider stating, “Mike is gonna make it. Now it’s up to Mike to make things better.”
Waltz’s Neoconservative Views Under Fire
This incident is not the first time Waltz has faced criticism from Trump’s allies.
Known for his neoconservative views, Waltz has clashed with figures like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon, who have questioned his approach to foreign policy, particularly his eagerness for military intervention in Iran.
Despite these tensions, Waltz has managed to hold on to his position—at least for now—partly due to Trump’s reluctance to fire him and give the media another victory.
Trump’s Reaction to Goldberg’s Involvement
One of the key points of contention for Trump was the involvement of Goldberg, whom he publicly derided as a “total sleazebag” and dismissed as part of a “failed magazine.”
While Trump defended Waltz in public, he was clearly more upset about the journalist’s role in the leak.
Trump attacked The Atlantic and its editor, claiming that the magazine was irrelevant and that Goldberg’s reporting was detrimental to the country.
The Fallout and Investigation
Waltz, in his attempt to explain the incident, suggested that Goldberg may have deliberately maneuvered his way into the chat, though he also took full responsibility for the error.
Despite these explanations, many remain skeptical, with some U.S. officials accusing Waltz of leaking the information deliberately.
The situation remains murky, with no clear answers as to how Goldberg was added to the group chat.
Waltz has continued to downplay the severity of the leak, pointing to the successful strike against the Houthis as evidence that the operation was a success, despite the media focus on the security breach.
Nonetheless, the incident has raised serious questions about the handling of classified information within the Trump administration and whether Waltz will survive the fallout.
Trump Stands by His Team for Now, but Questions Remain
For now, Waltz retains his position, but the tension surrounding him is palpable.
Trump has made it clear that while he supports his national security team, he is not happy with the situation.
The coming weeks will likely determine whether Waltz’s job is secure or if the fallout from this scandal will force his removal.