‘There was no classified information’: Donald Trump dismisses Signal chat leak claims; stands by NSA Mike Waltz

S President Donald Trump on Tuesday (March 25) denied claims that classified information was shared in a Signal group chat that mistakenly included Atlantic Editor-in-Chief Jeffrey Goldberg.

“There was no classified information, as I understand it,” Trump told reporters during a meeting with US ambassadors. “I hear it’s used by a lot of groups. It’s used by the media a lot. It’s used by a lot of the military, and I think, successfully, but sometimes somebody can get on to those things. That’s one of the prices you pay when you’re not sitting in the Situation Room.”

Goldberg had reported that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth disclosed “operational details of forthcoming strikes on Yemen” in the chat.

Praise for National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

Trump stood by his national security adviser, Mike Waltz, who reportedly added Goldberg to the group.

“He’s a very good man, and he will continue to do a good job,” Trump said, dismissing calls for an apology.

Waltz, addressing the controversy, accused Goldberg of misleading the public.

“There’s a lot of journalists in this city who have made big names for themselves making up lies about this president,” Waltz said. “And this one in particular, I’ve never met, don’t know, never communicated with, and we are looking into and reviewing how the heck he got into this room.”

Trump criticises The Atlantic and its editor

Trump did not hold back in his criticism of The Atlantic and Goldberg, calling the publication “a failed magazine” and the editor “a total sleazebag.”

Reviewing Signal’s security

Trump stated he had asked Waltz to “study” the security of Signal but ruled out an FBI investigation into the matter.

“It’s not really an FBI thing. It’s really something having to do with security,” Trump explained. “Like, will somebody be able to break in? Are people able to break into conversations? And if that’s true, we’re going to have to find some other device.”

Goldberg clarified that he did not hack into the chat but was mistakenly added.

Possible shift away from Signal

While acknowledging Signal as “the best technology for the moment,” Trump suggested his administration might reconsider using the app in the future.

“I don’t think it’s something we’re looking forward to using again,” Trump said. “We may be forced to use it. You may be in a situation where you need speed as opposed to gross safety, and you may be forced to use it, but generally speaking, I think we probably won’t be using it very much.”

He added that in an ideal scenario, sensitive discussions would take place in highly secure rooms.

“If it was up to me, everybody would be sitting in a room together. The room would have solid lead walls and a lead ceiling and a lead floor,” he said.

Waltz echoed Trump’s preference for in-person discussions.

“I agree with you. Let’s get everybody in the room whenever possible,” he said.