US President Donald Trump on Wednesday rejected the allegations regarding the leaked Yemen war plans, terming it a “witch hunt” while supporting his defence secretary Pete Hegseth amidst Democratic demands for resignation.
Trump responded after The Atlantic Magazine revealed transcripts of messages which was accidentally shared with its editor in a senior US official’s Signal messaging app group.
The Atlantic reported that Hegseth had shared specifics in the chat about timing of strikes on Iran-backed Huthi rebels, including details about aircraft, missiles and drones before the operations commenced.
In the Oval Office, Trump told AFP that “Hegseth is doing a great job, he had nothing to do with this,” when questioned about Hegseth’s position regarding the incident.
“How do you bring Hegseth into this? Look, look it’s all a witch hunt,” Trump stated whilst addressing questions after announcing new foreign automobile tariffs.
Trump maintained that no classified information was compromised, noting that National Security Advisor Mike Waltz “took responsibility” for the error.
The incident, dubbed “Signalgate”, occurred when Waltz mistakenly added journalist Jeffrey Goldberg to the chat, marking the most significant controversy since Trump’s return to office in January.
The magazine published the operation details on Thursday after the White House insisted no classified information was involved and criticised Goldberg’s credibility.
From Hawaii, Hegseth stated the March 15 exchange contained “No names. No targets.” Vice President JD Vance, whilst at a Marines base near Washington, suggested the Atlantic had “overplayed” the situation.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged a “big mistake” whilst emphasising his limited involvement.
Democratic leadership, particularly House leader Hakeem Jeffries, demanded Hegseth’s immediate dismissal. Senator Tammy Duckworth called for removal of all chat participants.
Senate Armed Services Committee’s Republican chairman Roger Wicker requested an independent assessment from the Trump administration.
The Atlantic detailed the chat messages, including specific launch times and operational details. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt characterised Goldberg as an “anti-Trump hater.”
Huthi media reported new US strikes on Sanaa late Wednesday, following earlier reports of 19 American operations in Yemen. The US has intensified operations against Huthi rebels who continue targeting Red Sea shipping, claiming solidarity with Gaza during Hamas’s conflict with Israel.
