In a recent statement, President Donald Trump expressed his unwavering confidence in his national security adviser, Mike Waltz. This endorsement comes just a day after reports emerged detailing a significant blunder in which Waltz inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat that discussed sensitive plans regarding the ongoing war in Yemen.
During an interview with NBC News on Tuesday, Trump described Waltz as a "good man" who has learned an important lesson from the incident. The president downplayed the concerns regarding the group chat, which allegedly contained operational details about military strategies in Yemen. According to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, he was mistakenly included in the chat, which raised eyebrows regarding national security protocols.
Trump reassured viewers that Goldberg's presence in the chat had "no impact at all," labeling the situation as merely a "glitch" that his administration has faced since taking office. This incident highlights the challenges and complexities of maintaining security in communications among high-ranking officials.
Goldberg revealed that he received a Signal invitation from Waltz, who was an active member of the group chat. Reportedly, the chat also included prominent figures such as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The authenticity of the group chat was confirmed by Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, during an interview with ABC News.
Mike Waltz was appointed as Trump's national security adviser in November, following his tenure as a Florida congressman. Trump praised Waltz as a nationally recognized leader in the field of national security, especially emphasizing his expertise on threats posed by China, Russia, Iran, and global terrorism. Notably, Waltz is a vocal China hawk and made history as the first Green Beret elected to Congress.
During the presidential campaign, Waltz served as a pivotal surrogate for Trump, frequently criticizing the foreign policy record of the Biden-Harris administration. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2018, he has actively participated in the Intelligence, Armed Services, and Foreign Affairs committees. Furthermore, he is a key member of the House China Task Force, which includes 13 other Republican representatives.
Before entering politics, Waltz held multiple roles in national security policy during the George W. Bush administration, working within the Pentagon and the White House. He retired as a colonel after dedicating 27 years of service in the Army and the National Guard, further solidifying his credentials as a national security expert.
This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of communication security within government operations. As the Trump administration continues to navigate complex national security challenges, the role of figures like Mike Waltz remains vital in shaping U.S. foreign policy.
Contributions to this report were made by ABC News' Rachel Scott, Benjamin Siegel, Katherine Faulders, and John Santucci.
