The Trump regime is using Signal to bypass mandatory record keeping laws and the FOIA. Using it at all for official communications should be very illegal.
Are you sure it's not? It HAS to be illegal to use it to discuss anything operational.
It doesn't matter. The only thing that makes any sense here is that this entire administration has already been told they will be pardoned for what they are doing. Otherwise not so many would break the law.
There are lots of potential semantic traps that allow this natsec group to make what happened, "explainable". I'd ask what effect does insecurely briefing people (outside the administration) enough details of an imminent military action and that information being used to neutralise said action?
Ah Violation of Records requirments....Using Signal while in RUSSIA? lol... I guarantee FSB, GRU didn't miss an opportunity. Republicans running Nation Incompetent Buffoon's....
Democrats must change the language that they use. They use language that’s too understated, too proper and polite. It’s NOT an “embarrassment, it’s a BETRAYAL and an OUTRAGE.They need to use language with the ferocity of a bear trap to fight back against this horrific excuse for an administration.
We were fortunate that a third party was invited to the War Plans chat.
The actual question should be - how many of these chats at the highest level have happened previously, undiscovered and untraceable?
Oh this is rich. Do as I say not as I do admin. They all clearly knew what they were doing was wrong. As a previous investigator I would recommend termination for all
The Signal Chain on the Houthi attack does provide the attack location - stated on the chain, the attack was at the home of the girlfriend of the target. I'm sure this location can easily be identified - and pre-identified by the bad guys.
You'd think SecDef, DNI, NSA, DirCIA, VP, CoS and THE FUCKING GUY WHO WAS MEETING WITH PUTIN AS THE TEXTS WERE POURING IN might have been aware of this.
Trump is ignorant AF and so is every single person he installed in the highest levels of government. We don’t have to worry about a civil war. We can’t protect ourselves from foreign aggression with these shitbag drunken fools in charge.
What was that complaint against TikTok the repubs were making a big deal about a while back? I thought it was about Americans being spied on but I could be wrong…just wondering because we can’t have that much secret intelligence…
Please step back and see this for what it is. They broke the law endangered the mission and national security and released a name of a CIA agent in the clear. But in Trump/Putin's mind even this is a success creating more Division/Chaos for our country.
Every one of these senior staff from Secretary and other need to be frog marched out the door immediately. They are not serious people who should be trusted to lead the nation.
Agree that's a key issue - along with the fact that classified info had to be copied to the phone (or onto a laptop linked to the phone - which expands the attack surface) to get it into Signal.
But the "White House approval" is being used to try and suggest it was OK for all concerning issues.
And the phones can likely be hacked and read in real time. This is a massive security breach because it seems that this form of communication has been used a lot by the Maga administration.
Yes, as indicated by what the public knows of certain toolsets developed by certain states and companies, and sold to various states, and that were used to exfiltrate data that generated some high profile news stories over the last few years.
The issue is also federal record keeping laws. Which is why they're using signal in the first place so their conversations can't be subject to FOI requests.
Yes. It is. The whole classified thing is overshadowing the bigger issue that this kind of use of Signal seems to be a common practice in the administration. They don't care that it's a criminal offense because they're rapidly dismantling any organization that can try to enforce it.
We need to be clear that teh problem with it being used by people in government isn't that it's vulnerable - it's not, at least not any more than any other messaging app - it's that it allows them to circumvent the requirement to record their communications.
I just keep going back to that word used in WWII. I can only imagine what my dad,
who served in the 636th, would say about this giant failure in having the 6 of our military.
We have speedrun beyond FUBAR into complete SNAFU territory. Our ancestors are all rolling in their graves.
My father (USN) was buried at sea in some impervious metal casket and I half expect him to surface and reanimate out of pure righteous indignation. And he was an incredibly calm, steady dude.
What a bunch of incompetent idiots in high level positions using unsecured Signal. Couldn’t even be bothered to read the warning advisory from the Pentagon.
But it was Biden who told them they should be using Signal...... nothing but a bold face lie they are hoping their goobers will swallow and run with!
Fire then all now!!
seriously, how is this not criminal? The purpose of the app is to destroy evidence. Using it for gov work, where you are responsible to retain communication is a clear violation.
Josh Marshall is suggesting that the amateurs at the top of agencies are using commercial apps because they are excluding themselves from demands of conventional government security. They are outsiders, as anyone with military experience would recognize.
should take note. The ultimate question we all face is: “Will the agents follow orders of the obviously unqualified appointees when martial law is invoked?”
We need to make the professionals aware that we want them on the side of the constitution.
She is either completely incompetent to be in the intelligence field let alone in charge of it. She cant recognize what is classified and what is not. Also, it was her department that warned Ukraine that Signal has been compromised by Russia.
THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN U HIRE A KETAMINE ADDICT IN CHARGE OF DOGE A HEROIN ADDICT AS SECRETARY of HEALTH AN ALCOHOLIC IN CHARGE OF OUR NATIONAL DEFENSE, AN ANTI IMMIGRATION WHITE CHRISTIAN NOTZI EXTREMIST IS DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF & A RUSSIAN SYMPATHIZER IN CHARGE of NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE 🤡s
their incompetence & lack of understanding of security protocols is unacceptable! this would not have happened if they followed the rules-do not let this go-this is a huge breach of national security they cannot just brush off-this is BAD! they need to resign-this is not on-the-job training.
They have complete disregard and disrespect for the military members on the front lines/flights carrying out these missions. They cared more about using the mission to make Biden look like a failure on the Houthis.
Well, there you go.
Now start arresting the traitors for mishandling sensitive government information.
SignalGate could have gotten our pilots killed. All in the chain knew better.
Careful now. tRump and his minions took special time out from the Press Conference to praise the great conservative geniuses that wish to defund NPR (that whole 1% of your budget).
We better not let up on this. Those serving our country deserve all of our due diligence and then some. We cannot let this stand. Heads need to roll. People need to be fired. The American people must demand transparency, answers and assurances that this won’t happen again. DO NOT LET UP ON THIS!
If you want to beat an army, make the soldiers doubt their leaders. When a navy pilot launches from a carrier next time, they might be waiting for him. The Russians did a hell of a job. How long will the US military continue to endure the treason and incompetence of their leadership?
And that sort of thing will help if they are given an illegal order and it's their duty to ignore it. If they already suspect their leaders are completely incompetent morons, they're probably more likely to do the right thing.
I watched Gabbard lie on CSpan today saying there was not any classified info. When the full conversation gets into the hands of Dem Senators will there be a strong push for perjury? I doubt it....
We have to find out all the information that has been sent through signal. We need to know what other countries may now be aware of regarding the security of the United States. There is no way this was a one-off group chat.
If you live in the DMV area, you need to start mobilizing demonstrations NOW in front of the Pentagon, DNI HQ, NSA HQ, and the CIA HQ until Hegseth, Gabbard, Ratcliffe, and Waltz are fired or resign. #SignalGate @moveon.org @50501movement.bsky.social @indivisible.org @aclu.org @fightforprogress.org
It’s very serious business obviously but I do think it’s very funny imaging how they all felt when they saw the “Jeffrey Goldberg has left the chat” notification --Ben Dreyfuss/ Twitter
The US government is using 3rd party software to discuss OPSEC, NOFORN, and Top Secret levels of communication in avenues that do not retain data. They can stage a total takeover of the US and there will be no evidence through any official channels.
and Top Secret levels of communication in avenues that do not retain data. They can stage a total takeover of the US and there will be no evidence through any official channels.
How many incidents don’t we know about? How many violations of security protocols take place every day by these arrogant nincompoops? They can’t be trusted. Their refusal to take accountability is a pointed admission that their own desire to retain power and control supersedes our national security.
Obviously, whoever sent that advisory out to the entire Pentagon was AWARE the Signal app WAS being used (most likely by people above his/her paygrade) and was trying to warn them (without getting fired) to stop the practice before something exactly like this clusterfuck happened.
This is a really irresponsible headline. There is no vulnerability here, just shit opsec, and Signal has been used by activists from PDX to Hong Kong to Egypt for a reason. The NSA has previously expressed irritation with Signal because it prevents their ability to monitor people.
We have a long way to go before quantum is a widespread concern, which is hardly isolated to Signal, the theory being that it will negate encryption entirely. They’re citing QR code exploits by Russia, which hasn’t exactly been corroborated, nor has this supposed vuln. This sounds like CYA.
Someone could get control of a person’s phone and ‘exploit’ Signal, linking it to a separate device, but that’s still very much in the realm of opsec. Same as someone looking over your shoulder.
Signal is industry standard for secure messaging, it's just campaign from elites in every country to forbid peasants use cryptography. In Europe it is "would someone think of the children", here "military leak"
Yep. Smart opsec still means watch your ass, be cautious about what you disclose and say, because there’s always a human element, circle of trust, etc, but governments around the world have been trying to penetrate, ban, and malign Signal for years because it works.
The problem is the hardware they used for discussing classified stuff wasn't approved for use in handling classified information. Only hardened military approved devices may be used for that. Regular phones are not approved regardless of which app you use.
How do you mean there's no vulnerability? The memo on the vulnerability due to the "linked devices feature" is in the article? It was sent a week prior?
The shit opsec is undeniable, but there's ALSO this vulnerability AND ALSO an issue with records retention violations.
To link devices in Signal, you need direct access to someone’s phone to scan a QR code. You can’t ‘hack’ Signal independent of the device, and so if the device is at risk, that’s the issue. There’s been zero evidence or corroboration by Signal or any security researchers of an actual vuln out there.
See the other posts from security folks responding to my post. A memo is not the same as a fact and if folks are not familiar with Signal, there is a lot of missing detail. They used non-hardened, consumer phones for this, which is the core issue and why a QR code would be of such concern.
You're saying since it's really more caused by a phish attack on the phone, it's not really a "vulnerability" per se. I can see that, though I wouldnt go so far as to call the headline misleading because of the distinction, especially since they were using the same language as the memo, but fair.
That’s correct. The problem with citing the memo as-is is that the language is misleading. ‘Vulnerability’ in this context leads people to see it as a problem like a bug or CVE advisory when it’s not. Leading to much of what’s happening now with people parroting that Signal is unsafe.
"But again to be clear the use of Signal message and end to end encrypted applications is permissible and was in this case used permissibly."
National Security Hearing 3/25/25
CIA Director John Ratcliffe
But, by all means, let us round up, torture, and deport anyone with brown skin. Right off the street. No reason at all. Cuz THAT'S the dangerous folks, amirite?
Who sent/authorized that email? Was it someone who should have been in the group chat but wasn't included because it was held on Signal? I would love to know how they feel about this.
When you are a first job Pentagon employee and sending out advisories about NOT using Signal and your new boss Pete “I forgot” Hegseth is still using Signal to communicate from home and the top guy from Atlantic Magazine is on the thread too.
so the "plausible" part of Plausible Deniability as been removed. they knew and decided lack of accountability was more important that laws, policies and security
Yep! They probably had lots of sleepless nights hoping Trump would never find out, and nothing would come of it. I am shocked The Atlantic wasn’t approached last week with a “deal” to keep this under wraps.
Sadly, the destruction of our nation will be the only way to rid us of the Trump cult. Most people can only learn the hard way. Unfortunately, everyone will suffer for it.
Sorry, I should have said the administration. I’m not sure how it works as we’ve never been here before. Vance has broken laws and I guarantee Mike Johnson has too. They called the DEMs the deep state -ultimate projection . We just have to get him and everyone else is exposed. My take.
Comments
But I like using signal.
Fuck it, the rules don’t apply to the big boss!”
-P. Hegseth
Lie about it, of course.
It doesn't matter. The only thing that makes any sense here is that this entire administration has already been told they will be pardoned for what they are doing. Otherwise not so many would break the law.
The actual question should be - how many of these chats at the highest level have happened previously, undiscovered and untraceable?
All part of Project 2025
There goes the pentagon. Right to the top of Trumps retribution list.
Elon will visit you this weekend.
Was the first time and yet ...
The Repugnacans created this situation and the DIMocrats let it happen.
Are the White guys in the fancy uniforms up to the challenge now?
How long before it is too late?
😂😂😂😈
Does the word of the king override Pentagon leadership?
Especially since the Pentagon warned against using Signal a week ago even for unclassified info.
But the "White House approval" is being used to try and suggest it was OK for all concerning issues.
Perhaps he said it multiple times
If he did, my apologies for missing that
REPOST
💙 Show up!
💙 Make signs!
💙 Bring friends!
💙 Alert local media!
💙 And keep up the boycotts!
We know violent escalation very well, even if we don’t want to. 80 yrs ago Germany is what we are becoming.
We knows where this goes. Stop it now OR we’ll die by the millions destroying it.
I just keep going back to that word used in WWII. I can only imagine what my dad,
who served in the 636th, would say about this giant failure in having the 6 of our military.
Fucked Up Beyond All
Recognition.
"Patch up us old guys 'n throw us back in..."
Sgt. Rob Roy Ramey
Read-Brave Men by Ernie Pyle.
I did it felt as if I was seeing my father for the 1st time on the Road to Rome.
Pyle had great respect for the infantry.
My father (USN) was buried at sea in some impervious metal casket and I half expect him to surface and reanimate out of pure righteous indignation. And he was an incredibly calm, steady dude.
Fire then all now!!
I submit that the resistance 🧵
We need to make the professionals aware that we want them on the side of the constitution.
But didn't Krasnov claim he was " Activated " last week ?
The pentagon itself told them how to avoid scrutiny and records-keeping.
Now start arresting the traitors for mishandling sensitive government information.
SignalGate could have gotten our pilots killed. All in the chain knew better.
Wouldn’t want to anger daddy.
must've ended up in my spam folder
Ignorance is no excuse under the law.
The US government should ban employees from using it.
But…maybe he did and figured those rules didn’t apply to him, he was IN CHARGE 🥸
https://youtu.be/0ZaNpNBEZ2Q?si=33z4R2t-_yDeDqcw
Would this apply?
(a)Whoever knowingly and willfully communicates, furnishes, transmits, or otherwise makes available to an unauthorized person ...
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/18/798
"Has anyone here ever seen 'Day Of The Condor'?"
The real issue is what's between the eyes on the screen and the hands on the keyboard: the humain brain. As usual.
How is he not fired
Pure drinken incompetence
Quantum computers are not magic. There's just a few classes of math they're unusually fast at. We have replacements for the affected encryption!
The problem is the hardware they used for discussing classified stuff wasn't approved for use in handling classified information. Only hardened military approved devices may be used for that. Regular phones are not approved regardless of which app you use.
The shit opsec is undeniable, but there's ALSO this vulnerability AND ALSO an issue with records retention violations.
Could DoD uniformed leadership have been trying to communicate with their boss(es) without being combative?
National Security Hearing 3/25/25
CIA Director John Ratcliffe
What’s that called?
*laughs*