Elon Musk tapped to help lead investigation into Signal chat leak: White House
Elon Musk is playing a crucial role in leading the investigation into a recent Signal chat leak involving top national security leaders and the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, according to White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. The investigation will be spearheaded by the National Security Council, the White House Counsel’s Office, and Musk’s team of technical experts.
The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor-in-chief of the Atlantic, was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat with high-ranking national security officials, including national security advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Signal is an encrypted messaging app known for its security features, designed to keep communications private and secure.
The initial report from the Atlantic suggested that sensitive information, including “war plans,” was being discussed in the chat. However, the Trump administration has denied that any classified material was shared in the conversation. President Trump has defended Waltz, who took responsibility for adding Goldberg to the chat, claiming it was a case of mistaken identity.
In response to the leak, Musk has offered his technical expertise to investigate how Goldberg’s number was added to the chat and to prevent similar incidents in the future. Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency has been tasked with examining federal agencies for overspending, fraud, and mismanagement.
Leavitt criticized the Atlantic for its reporting on the Signal chat leak, accusing the outlet of fabricating a misinformation campaign. She highlighted that the follow-up story published by the Atlantic did not contain any war plans, as initially suggested, but rather attack plans. The Trump administration has characterized the follow-up story as a hoax and a victory for exposing sensationalist reporting.
Despite the backlash, the Atlantic defended its reporting, pointing to specific messages in the chat related to military operations. The outlet argued that the information shared in the chat could have posed a risk to American personnel if it had fallen into the wrong hands. Leavitt emphasized that Signal is an approved app for government employees, citing the CIA’s use of the app for secure communication.
As the investigation into the Signal chat leak continues, Musk’s involvement underscores the importance of taking responsibility for ensuring the security and integrity of sensitive communications among top government officials. The collaboration between Musk’s team and government agencies reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in addressing potential breaches of national security.
