A US federal judge has ordered Donald Trump＊s administration to preserve a Signal chat where senior officials discussed sensitive military plans against Yemen＊s Houthis. According to AP, Judge James Boasberg issued a temporary restraining order preventing the deletion of these messages, following a request by the watchdog group American Oversight. The group alleges that Trump officials routinely used Signal for official government business, potentially bypassing federal record-keeping laws.
The Atlantic, which published the full chat, revealed that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided exact timings for airstrikes, including when bombs would drop. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz even detailed how a Houthi target was tracked to his girlfriend＊s residence before being eliminated. The lawsuit filed by American Oversight aims to ensure these records are maintained in compliance with the Federal Records Act.
Despite the controversy, the Trump administration insists no classified information was shared. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the messages contained only ※sensitive§ but unclassified details. Hegseth＊s spokesman, Sean Parnell, backed this claim, arguing that the chat was simply an update on an ongoing operation. However, former intelligence officials argue that revealing operational details, including tracking methods and strike windows, could seriously compromise national security.
As reported by Bloomberg, intelligence analysts believe the Signal chat disclosures provided adversaries with critical insights into US spycraft. The conversation not only exposed the US＊s ability to track high-value targets in real time but also suggested that officials were using personal phones for secure discussions. This revelation is particularly concerning given the cyber capabilities of nations like Russia and China.
John Sipher, a retired CIA officer, stated that such information could help foreign governments understand how the US gathers intelligence, making it easier to manipulate future operations. Another key concern is that Israel, which reportedly provided crucial intelligence on the strike, has privately complained to the US about the leaks. The disclosure may strain intelligence-sharing relationships between the US and its allies.
Meanwhile, former NSA general counsel Glenn Gerstell stated that even seemingly minor comments in the chat, such as discussions on how the strike would affect Europe and Egypt, should be considered classified. He emphasized that revealing the sequence of military operations before an attack is a major security breach. Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh echoed this sentiment, calling the leak deeply troubling.
The leak has ignited a fierce debate on social media, with users expressing a range of opinions on the controversy.
One user emphasized the significance of the court order, stating, ※Very significant. Don＊t delete or erase Signal chat. The order by Judge Boasberg to Trump＊s NSA Michael Waltz, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard, Secretary of State Marco Rubio & Vice President JD Vance.§ Another questioned who might have been excluded from the chat, writing, ※Interesting hypothesis.?If this is the case, then who is the architect of this strategy? Who was left out of the Signal chat that has Trump＊s ear?§?
Some users defended Trump＊s administration, with one arguing, ※The only thing this Signal chat proved was that Trump＊s cabinet did more work in 4 minutes than the Biden administration did in 4 years.§ Others criticized Trump＊s leadership, with one sarcastically noting, ※Trump didn＊t know about the Signal chat, didn＊t know about the 4 dead soldiers, and every time he gets asked a tough question, he goes ＆what news outlet are you from? Oh, you guys are going downhill, next!＊ Lmao but he was tracking this lil dude＊s case like a hawk.§?
Another user condemned Hegseth＊s actions, stating, ※Just like all Trump appointees, he doesn＊t admit to any wrongdoing or apologize for his grave lack of judgment. You can＊t say it was just an error because the chat was initiated on Signal by those who clearly knew this was wrong. It could have jeopardized our soldiers＊ lives. He should resign or be FIRED. His arrogance is astounding.§
While the Trump administration continues to downplay the impact of the leaked chat, the legal and political fallout is only beginning. Meanwhile, intelligence experts are warning of the potential long-term damage caused by the exposure of US spy tactics.
The case raises critical questions about government transparency, intelligence security, and the risks of using unclassified messaging apps for sensitive operations. As the debate continues, one thing is clear〞this Signal chat leak will remain a major point of contention in Washington and beyond.