JOURNALIST ACCESS
On Mar 14, messages in the group indicated that a US strike was being prepared against Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
The militant group has been trying to interrupt trade via the Red Sea and have targeted US military vessels several times in recent months.
In discussing the potential military action, Vance notably objected by saying it would benefit Europeans much more than Americans, while the Trump administration is pushing for Europe to do more for its own defence.
On Saturday, Hegseth told the group in a message strikes would be launched against the Houthis in the coming hours.
Goldberg said he chose not to reveal the contents of the message in his article for fear of compromising operational security and potentially endangering American forces in the Middle East.
After the message exchange, the group’s members congratulated each other using emojis.
The journalist said he believed the group to be authentic after this exchange, before leaving the group without any apparent reaction.
STRONG REACTION
National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said Monday the chain cited in the article appeared to be “authentic”.
The president later said: “I don’t know anything about it.”
Hegseth remained defiant, saying “no one sent any war plans, and that’s all I have to say about it.”
He also launched a verbal attack on Goldberg, calling him a “highly discredited so-called journalist” who peddles hoaxes.
Top Republicans such as House Speaker Mike Johnson also downplayed the incident, saying no one should be punished for the breach.
But some Republican lawmakers could not hide their embarrassment.
“Someone screwed up,” Senator Tim Sheehy reportedly told journalists.
