How did a journalist end up in a top secret US military group chat? | BBC Newscast

Key Concepts

• Signal messaging app security and usage for classified information
• Houthi attacks in Yemen and US military response
• Classified vs. unclassified information and declassification processes
• Freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and global economic implications
• US-Ukraine-Russia negotiations regarding Black Sea shipping
• Ceasefire agreements and implementation challenges (Minsk agreements)
• Reform Party internal conflict involving Nigel Farage and Rupert Low
• Parliamentary grievance processes and political defections

US Government's Use of Signal and Potential Military Strike

The main topic is a controversy surrounding the use of the Signal messaging app by senior members of the Trump administration, including Michael Waltz (National Security Advisor), Steve Wickoff, and Pete Hegth (Secretary of Defense). Jeffrey Goldberg, editor of The Atlantic, was accidentally included in a group chat where discussions about a potential military strike on Houthi rebels in Yemen took place.

• Key Points:
  • The White House confirmed the authenticity of the messages.
  • The strike on the Houthis did occur shortly after these discussions.
  • Questions arise about the appropriateness of using Signal for such sensitive conversations and the accidental inclusion of a journalist.
  • Jeffrey Goldberg claims the chat included weapons packages, timings, and locations of attacks.
  • The legality of sharing information with someone unauthorized to receive it.

Classification of Information and Government Protocols

The discussion shifts to whether the information shared on Signal was classified and the implications if it was not.

• Key Points:
  • Director of National Intelligence Tulsey Gabbard claimed no classified material was shared.
  • Celeste Wallander, former Assistant Secretary of Defense, finds it "strange" that planning for military operations wouldn't be classified.
  • Wallander emphasizes that such information is typically highly classified to protect operational details and prevent adversaries from gaining insights.
  • Katrina Perry notes that Republicans are concerned about potential national security breaches.
  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe used Signal because it was pre-installed on his devices.
  • Department of Defense guidelines may not approve Signal for top-secret discussions.
  • Wallander states Signal was only allowed as an emergency communication method, not for substantive conversations.
  • She highlights the availability of secure communication devices and facilities (SKIFs - Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) for senior government officials.
  • Wallander couldn't provide details about SKIFs due to classification.

Legal Implications and Potential Breaches

The discussion explores potential legal breaches and the definition of "damage" in this context.

• Key Points:
  • The White House downplays the incident, suggesting it demonstrates "considered discussion."
  • Pete Hegth, as the originator of the classification status, could argue that his participation in the chat effectively declassified the information.
  • The National Security Council is conducting an investigation.
  • Tulsey Gabbard refused to answer whether she used her personal phone for these chats while abroad.
  • Wallander states that declassification is a deliberate process, not a spontaneous decision.
  • Donald Trump claims ignorance of the situation and downplays The Atlantic magazine.
  • Trump suggests Mike Waltz has "learned a lesson."

Geopolitical Implications and Red Sea Shipping

The conversation addresses the geopolitical implications of the discussions, particularly regarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea.

• Key Points:
  • Allegedly, the chat included discussions suggesting the US doesn't need to prioritize protecting shipping in the Red Sea, framing it as a "European problem."
  • JD Vance's account reportedly stated, "I hate having to pay for these European freeloaders."
  • Wallander argues that shutting down the Red Sea would have enormous implications for the global economy, affecting the US and its allies.
  • She notes that the US was actively addressing Houthi attacks on shipping while she was at the Pentagon.

US-Ukraine-Russia Negotiations and Black Sea Shipping

The discussion shifts to news of talks between the US, Ukraine, and Russia in Saudi Arabia regarding protecting shipping in the Black Sea.

• Key Points:
  • A potential deal to protect shipping in the Black Sea is being discussed, possibly involving a partial ceasefire.
  • Wallander suggests this is an attempt to revive earlier successful negotiations allowing commercial shipping through the Black Sea.
  • She emphasizes the importance of monitoring and defining the terms of any agreement to prevent misuse by Russia.
  • Katrina Perry notes the White House issued separate statements for the US-Ukraine agreement and the US-Russia agreement, highlighting potential disagreements.
  • The US will help restore Russia's access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports.
  • Wallander points out the risk of "completely separate tracks" in negotiations, potentially leading to misunderstandings and blame.
  • She references the Minsk agreements as an example of a poorly written ceasefire agreement.
  • Zelensky has stated that Ukraine has been here before with Russia and they haven't upheld their side of the bargain.
  • Putin continues to put conditions on a full ceasefire, such as Ukraine's future in NATO being settled and Ukraine's demilitarization.
  • The statements talk about third countries the good offices of third countries being employed to to monitor implementation of this deal.
  • In the earlier version when there was some success in in moving some commercial shipping through the Black Sea in this conflict it was Turkish oversight.

Reform Party Conflict: Farage vs. Low

The final segment focuses on a conflict within the Reform Party involving Nigel Farage and Rupert Low.

• Key Points:
  • Rupert Low gave an interview criticizing Reform as a "protest party" and Farage as "messianic."
  • Low had a dispute with party chairman Zia Ysef, who reported Low to the police.
  • Jacqueline Perry Casey was hired to investigate allegations of mistreatment in Low's offices.
  • The Perry report found "credible evidence" of mistreatment amounting to harassment.
  • Low claims the process was biased and denies bullying or aggressive behavior.
  • Farage claims this is the end of it all and that Rupert Low has been kicked out of the parliamentary party.
  • Low is now an independent MP and his future political affiliations are uncertain.
  • Elon Musk previously supported Low over Farage.
  • The conflict highlights a power struggle within the Reform Party and the challenges of professionalizing the party.
  • A leaked messaging app chat is also part of the story.

Conclusion

The discussion covers a range of significant issues, from the security of government communications and potential military actions to geopolitical tensions and internal political conflicts. The use of Signal by government officials raises serious questions about data security and protocol. The negotiations surrounding Black Sea shipping highlight the complexities of international relations and the challenges of achieving lasting peace. Finally, the Reform Party conflict illustrates the internal dynamics and challenges faced by political movements.