The U.S. government has found itself embroiled in a major scandal after highly sensitive intelligence was leaked. Reports reveal that the Trump administration planned to have Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and European nations shoulder the financial burden of the fight against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
According to the leaked information, Saudi Arabia was expected to finance the protection of its oil wells, while Egypt and European nations were required to reimburse the U.S. for their share of the military costs. Those involved in the discussion reportedly included Vice President JD Vance, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and other high-ranking officials.
This revelation emerged from a classified discussion among President Trump’s national security team, which was inadvertently exposed through the encrypted messaging app Signal. The leak occurred when Trump’s National Security Advisor, Michael Waltz, shared sensitive details with Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, a highly influential journalist in the U.S.
Trump’s Military Campaign in Yemen and The Reckless Signal Chat
In parallel with these financial plans, President Trump launched an ongoing campaign of large-scale military strikes against Yemen’s Houthis on March 15, responding to the group’s attacks on Red Sea shipping. He also issued a stark warning to Iran, the Houthis’ main backer, demanding that it immediately halt its support for the group.
Just hours before these attacks commenced, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reportedly posted operational details about the plan in a private Signal chat. Goldberg described the leak as “shockingly reckless,” revealing that the group discussed key military intelligence, including specific targets, weapons the U.S. would deploy, and attack sequencing.
The Signal chat reportedly included accounts representing Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles, and senior National Security Council officials. Notably, Joe Kent, Trump’s nominee for National Counterterrorism Center director, was also in the chat, despite not yet being confirmed by the Senate.
Fallout and Political Backlash
The fact that such a sensitive discussion took place outside of secure government communication channels has raised serious concerns about potential violations of the U.S. Espionage Act. Lawmakers from both parties have condemned the Trump administration’s handling of national security, with critics calling it an “unforgivable lapse” in intelligence protection.
When questioned by reporters in the Oval Office, Trump claimed to have no prior knowledge of the leak, stating that it was the first time he had heard about it. In response, the White House quickly issued a statement defending the national security team, including Waltz.
Despite these efforts, the Trump administration now faces one of its most significant scandals to date. Rumors are already circulating that top officials may resign in the wake of this damaging security breach.
