Senator Mark Warner, D-Va., has raised concerns over a reported leak of sensitive discussions among top US President Donald Trump‘s national security officials regarding plans to strike Houthi targets in Yemen, warning that such disclosures could have endangered American lives.
Speaking on ABC News’ “This Week” on Sunday, Warner highlighted the real-world implications of leaked military information. “I was, yesterday, down in Hampton Roads. I did two big town halls, Virginia Beach and Chesapeake. There are people in the town hall who are either friends or relatives of folks who are on the [aircraft carrier USS Harry S.] Truman,” Warner said. “Those folks were saying if their friends or loved ones were flying those jets and that information had been released and the Houthis were able to change their defensive posture, we could have lost American lives.”
The controversy stems from a revelation by a journalist who disclosed that national security adviser Mike Waltz had inadvertently included him in a Signal group chat where Trump administration officials were discussing the Yemen strike. While the Trump administration has denied that the chat contained classified information, Warner firmly disagreed.
“There is no question, regardless of agency, that this was classified,” Warner said. “And those folks who are obfuscating and giving them the benefit of the doubt, I think they’re lying about it. They should know this is classified.”
The discussion has sparked further debate over the handling of sensitive intelligence and the risks associated with unauthorised disclosures. With tensions in the region remaining high, Warner’s warning underscores the potential consequences of intelligence leaks on military operations and national security.
