Man in suit at a desk on a city street, checking unsecured chats, surrounded by documents marked "Top Secret.

Unsecured Chats: National Security Council’s Leak on Yemen Airstrikes

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ByArmyConnect

BLUF

The use of Signal to discuss tactical airstrikes is embarrassing, tone deaf, displays casual incompetence, and highlights how high-ranking government officials in the National Security Council can dismantle our national security with emojis.

The careless dissemination of sensitive information regarding U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen has raised serious security concerns within the National Security Council (NSC). An unsecured group chat inadvertently included Jeffrey Goldberg, the Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic, leading to the premature disclosure of operational plans (Goldberg 2025). His article underscores the vulnerabilities associated with using non-approved communication platforms for discussing classified military operations, revealing a troubling disregard for established protocols at high levels of government.

Introduction

In one hot take, the National Security Council inadvertently gave every American citizen ad hoc Top-Secret SCI clearance via their smartphones and the Signal app. Bad jokes aside, this event highlights the level of idiocracy and amateur handling of defense strategy by elected officials. The NSC has found itself embroiled in well-deserved controversy following the leak of sensitive information regarding U.S. airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. This leak, attributed to an amateur communications blunder involving an unsecured group chat, raises serious concerns about the communication protocols within the NSC and the potential vulnerabilities of using unauthorized platforms for discussing classified military operations. The incident not only jeopardizes operational security but also highlights a troubling disregard for established protocols at high levels of government. As the implications of this breach unfold, it is crucial to examine the events that led to this crisis and the lessons that leaders must learn to safeguard national security.

What Is the National Security Council?

National Security Council: Overview and Current Members

The National Security Council (NSC) is a vital component of the United States government that advises the President on national security and foreign policy matters (U.S. Congress 2022). Established in 1947, the NSC is crucial in coordinating and integrating policies across various government agencies to ensure a unified approach to national security challenges

Authorizing Law

The National Security Council is a product of the National Security Act of 1947. This act responded to the changes in the global security environment following World War II and aimed to streamline the U.S. military and intelligence operations. The NSC’s formation marked a significant shift in how the federal government approached national security issues.

Current Members of the National Security Council

The NSC comprises several key members who are essential in shaping U.S. national security policy. Here is a list of the current members:

  1. President of the United States – Serves as the chair of the Council.
  2. Vice President of the United States – Provides insights and perspectives on national security matters.
  3. Secretary of State – Responsible for international relations and diplomacy.
  4. Secretary of Defense – Oversees military operations and defense policy.
  5. Secretary of Energy – Engages in matters related to nuclear energy and safety.
  6. National Security Advisor – Advises the President on national security issues and coordinates NSC activities.
  7. Director of National Intelligence – Manages intelligence operations and assessments.
  8. Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff – Represents the military leadership and offers military advice.
  9. Homeland Security Advisor – Focuses on domestic security issues and crisis management.

The composition of the NSC may evolve with changes in administration or specific policy needs. Still, these members typically represent the core areas of national security interests for the United States.

I. Overview of the Incident

What Was the Nature of the Leak Involving the National Security Council?

The leak involved sensitive airstrike plans against Houthi targets in Yemen, which the National Security Council, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, inadvertently disclosed during an unsecured group chat. The accidental participation of Jeffrey Goldberg, the top editor of The Atlantic, in this chat is particularly concerning, as it facilitated the premature dissemination of classified operational details. This breach of security protocols showcases a significant failure in safeguarding national defense strategies and emphasizes the risks associated with informal communication channels.

  • Accidental inclusion of Jeffrey Goldberg in NSC group chat
  • Details of the airstrikes against Houthi rebels
  • The role of Signal as an unapproved messaging app

II. Security Concerns

  • Risks posed by leaked operational details
  • Potential for adversaries to exploit information
  • Impact on American military and intelligence personnel

How Does the Use of Unauthorized Communication Platforms Compromise National Security?

Using unauthorized communication platforms, such as the Signal app in this instance, can cause significant lapses in security. These platforms fail to meet the stringent requirements for discussing classified military operations, which can allow unintended recipients to access sensitive information. This incident demonstrates how critical defense strategies can get compromised and highlights concerns about adherence to communication protocols within the government.

What Are the Potential Ramifications of This Incident for U.S. Foreign Relations and Military Operations?

The premature disclosure of airstrike plans not only endangers operational security but also risks damaging international partnerships, particularly in volatile regions like the Middle East. Allies may question the reliability of U.S. intelligence sharing and military strategies, while adversaries could exploit the information to alter their tactics. This incident underscores the urgent need for the National Security Council to reinforce its communication protocols to prevent further breaches that could jeopardize national defense and global stability.

What Can the Government Do to Prevent Similar Breaches in the Future?

Wait for it. Cyber Awareness Training.

All jokes aside, there are rooms created specifically for these operations. The NSC and the SECDEF can access a sensitive compartmented information facility or SCIF. The SCIF is a designated space, whether it’s a single room, multiple rooms, a building, or an entire facility, that has been certified and accredited to comply with the security standards set by the Director of National Intelligence for handling, storing, and discussing sensitive compartmented information (SCI) (National Institue of Standards and Technology 2025). Additionally, many senior government officials have a small cohort that enables leaders like the SECDEF to have secured communications.

This event only reinforces what Soldiers have said on multiple occasions: the training wastes time, and bad actors will do bad things. Government officials must adhere to established communication guidelines to prevent similar breaches and utilize secure, approved channels for discussing sensitive information. The government conducts regular training to reinforce the importance of operational security and the potential consequences of using unauthorized platforms. Additionally, implementing stricter oversight and accountability measures can help ensure compliance with communication protocols, ultimately protecting both personnel and strategic interests.

Conclusion

The leak of sensitive U.S. airstrike plans within the National Security Council has raised significant concerns about communication security and operational integrity. As the implications of this breach unfold, it is clear that adherence to established protocols is crucial for safeguarding national security and maintaining effective international partnerships. The lessons learned from this incident must serve as a catalyst for reform, ensuring that government officials prioritize secure communication practices to protect the nation’s defense strategies and interests.

The upcoming Cyber Awareness 2026 has two options: either the Army eliminates the training, or they include this event as a vignette in the training. The entire system breaks down if service members experience a leadership style that promotes “do as I say, not as I do.”

Final note. Leaders, stop gaslighting your subordinates. Subordinates, you can be a good soldier without kowtowing.

Works Cited

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