Democrats press Trump officials over potential leak of classified military plans
Kumar Shivam | Mar 26, 2025, 00:11 IST
( Image credit : AP, TOIGLOBAL )
A Senate Intelligence Committee hearing turned contentious as Democratic lawmakers questioned former Trump administration officials about a reported leak of classified U.S. military plans on an encrypted messaging platform. The discussion centered on national security risks and calls for accountability following reports that sensitive information was shared in a Signal group chat.
Reports surfaced that a group chat on Signal, involving senior Trump administration officials, included classified details about planned U.S. airstrikes. The controversy deepened when it was revealed that an Atlantic journalist had been mistakenly added to the group, exposing details about a U.S. attack on Iran-backed Houthi sites in Yemen.
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed concern over the security lapse, questioning why none of the participants verified the identities of those in the chat. “This is security hygiene 101,” Warner stated. “It apparently included a journalist.”
During the hearing, Democratic senators directed their questions at Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, both reported members of the chat. Warner criticized the handling of classified materials, saying that if a military or intelligence officer had behaved similarly, they would face dismissal.
FBI Director Kash Patel, also present, confirmed he had been briefed but provided no further updates. Gabbard declined to elaborate on her involvement, stating, “I’m not going to get into the specifics. This is currently under review by the National Security Council.”
Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) labeled the incident “reckless and dangerous” and demanded a full investigation. He also called for the resignations of National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, citing their reported participation in the chat.
President Donald Trump had previously faced legal scrutiny for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. While those charges were later dropped, the current controversy has reignited concerns over security practices within his administration.
The Atlantic reported that Hegseth had shared logistical details about airstrikes, including weapon systems and timing, via Signal. Despite this, both Gabbard and Ratcliffe denied knowledge of classified material being disclosed.
Democratic senators demanded the release of the message thread to determine the full extent of the breach. “If there was no classified material, share it with the committee. You can’t have it both ways,” Warner asserted. “These are important jobs. This is our national security.”
Sen. Mark Warner (D-Va.) expressed concern over the security lapse, questioning why none of the participants verified the identities of those in the chat. “This is security hygiene 101,” Warner stated. “It apparently included a journalist.”
Key officials face tough questions
FBI Director Kash Patel, also present, confirmed he had been briefed but provided no further updates. Gabbard declined to elaborate on her involvement, stating, “I’m not going to get into the specifics. This is currently under review by the National Security Council.”
Calls for investigation and resignations
President Donald Trump had previously faced legal scrutiny for mishandling classified documents after leaving the White House. While those charges were later dropped, the current controversy has reignited concerns over security practices within his administration.
Push for transparency in national security
Democratic senators demanded the release of the message thread to determine the full extent of the breach. “If there was no classified material, share it with the committee. You can’t have it both ways,” Warner asserted. “These are important jobs. This is our national security.”