*US National Security Adviser Assumes Responsibility for Leak While Launching Scathing Attack on Journalist*
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz takes ‘full responsibility’ for ‘embarrassing’ Signal leak, says he doesn’t know how Atlantic editor’s info ended up on his phone.
U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has publicly acknowledged his role in the accidental disclosure of classified military plans to a journalist, calling the incident “embarrassing” while unleashing a torrent of insults against Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of *The Atlantic*. The breach occurred when sensitive details about impending U.S. strikes in Yemen were inadvertently shared with Goldberg via a Signal group chat involving high-ranking administration officials.
During a Tuesday evening interview on Fox News, Waltz admitted fault, stating, “I take full responsibility. I built the group,” referencing the secure messaging channel that included Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and other senior officials. The chat was intended for confidential deliberations but mistakenly added Goldberg, whose phone number Waltz claims was “erroneously” stored in his contacts. When pressed by host Laura Ingraham about whether a staffer was to blame, Waltz emphasized, “A staffer wasn’t responsible. We made a mistake, but we’re moving forward to keep delivering results for this President.”
Despite his contrition, Waltz repeatedly lambasted Goldberg, branding him “the bottom scum of journalists” and a “loser.” His remarks followed revelations that Goldberg had obtained screenshots of the Signal exchange, though the editor withheld certain operational details at the government’s request, citing national security concerns. Waltz expressed frustration over the incident, insisting, “Of course I don’t want [the messages] all out there. These conversations should remain confidential.”
The leak has drawn sharp bipartisan criticism in Congress, with lawmakers questioning the administration’s handling of classified information. However, Waltz appears to retain the backing of former President Donald Trump, who publicly defended him, asserting no apology was necessary. “The President recognizes our team’s dedication,” Waltz said, vowing to “tighten up” protocols to prevent future breaches.
The controversy centers on how Goldberg—a high-profile journalist known for critical coverage of the administration—gained access to the restricted chat. Waltz denied ever communicating directly with him, calling the inclusion a “mistake” now under internal review. The incident underscores broader concerns about the use of private messaging platforms for sensitive government discussions, a practice scrutinized in prior administrations.
Goldberg, meanwhile, has not publicly addressed the insults but previously defended his decision to redact portions of the leaked material. “My priority was to balance transparency with security,” he stated in an earlier editorial note.
Waltz’s dual stance—accepting blame while vilifying the journalist—has sparked debate. Critics argue his attacks deflect from the gravity of the security lapse, while allies frame it as a candid response to media “overreach.” The adviser’s combative rhetoric aligns with the Trump administration’s frequent clashes with the press, which Trump has routinely labeled “the enemy of the people.”
As the White House pledges to bolster cybersecurity measures, questions linger about accountability and the potential fallout for U.S. strategic operations. Waltz, however, remains focused on damage control: “We’re embarrassed, but we’ll get to the bottom of it. This team won’t be knocked off course.”
The episode highlights the volatile intersection of digital communication, media relations, and national security—a challenge likely to persist as officials navigate an era where a single misclick can trigger international repercussions.
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