Trump Team In Spin Zone Over Signal Chat Blunder

NY Post Front Page March 26

The "Signal Chat Blunder" underscores the pitfalls of Trump’s ad hoc approach to foreign policy, characterized by a rejection of traditional bureaucratic processes in favor of informal, rapid decision-making. According to The Wall Street Journal, unlike previous administrations, which relied on structured National Security Council meetings and secure communication channels like SIPRNet or JWICS, Trump’s team opted for Signal—a civilian app not approved for classified discussions—bypassing established protocols. 

WSJ reports the chat revealed a transactional mindset, with officials like Stephen Miller questioning how the U.S. could extract economic gains from Europe for securing shipping lanes, reflecting Trump’s zero-sum dealmaking philosophy.

The fallout exposed multiple issues: the risk of unsecured platforms (Signal’s encryption doesn’t fully protect against device hacks), the inclusion of a journalist in a classified exchange, and a lack of formal oversight. Critics, including former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Democratic lawmakers like Chuck Schumer and Elizabeth Warren, labeled it a "stunning breach" and "blatantly illegal," pointing to potential violations of federal laws on handling classified information. Trump downplayed the incident on March 25, calling it a minor glitch and defending Waltz, while Hegseth denied sharing "war plans," a claim Goldberg refuted.

🚨 WATCH FULL INTERVIEW: Fox News’ @IngrahamAngle asks @MikeWaltz47: "How did a Trump-hating editor of The Atlantic end up on your Signal chat?" pic.twitter.com/ZVrIJQ6xS2

— TV News Now (@TVNewsNow) March 25, 2025

Waltz took responsibility for creating the group but couldn’t explain Goldberg’s inclusion, hinting at possible staff error. The administration’s reliance on inexperienced appointees and disdain for "deep state" bureaucracy amplified the chaos, drawing parallels to past controversies like Trump’s own classified documents case. The White House is reviewing the incident, with figures like Elon Musk reportedly involved in improving communication security, but the event has fueled calls for resignations and investigations, highlighting the vulnerabilities of Trump’s improvisational foreign policy.