Mark Warner sought Steele dossier author over same app he criticized Trump officials for using
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence Vice Chairman Mark Warner, a Democrat from Virginia, has come under scrutiny for his use of an encrypted messaging app to communicate with a lobbyist for a Russian oligarch in order to connect with the author of the discredited Steele dossier. This revelation comes after Warner criticized top Trump administration officials for using the same app to discuss plans for a strike on the Houthis in Yemen.
The use of the app, Signal, has raised concerns about the security of conversations on national security matters. The app was also used by Warner to reach out to former British spy Christopher Steele, who famously compiled a dossier of unverified information about then-President Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign.
In March 2017, Warner began corresponding with lobbyist Adam Waldman on Signal, with Waldman mentioning that Steele had asked him to call the senator. Warner expressed interest in speaking with Steele directly and pushed for direct access to him. However, Steele appeared to have reservations due to leaks and requested a bipartisan letter and written questions.
The use of Signal by Warner and other officials has sparked criticism and raised questions about the handling of classified information. During a recent Senate Intelligence Committee hearing, Warner addressed the scandal involving National Security Advisor Michael Waltz, Vice President JD Vance, and other officials who were part of a group chat on Signal that discussed sensitive information about an upcoming attack on the Houthis in Yemen. The incident was exposed by Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic, who was inadvertently added to the chat.
Warner criticized the administration for the lack of security measures in handling classified information, calling it “sloppy, careless, incompetent behavior.” Despite the mishap, President Trump stated that Waltz will not be fired and emphasized that no important information was shared in the chat.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the administration, stating that no classified material was sent in the chat and that the successful Houthi strikes were the priority. The White House is investigating how Goldberg’s number was added to the chat.
In conclusion, the use of Signal by Warner and other officials for sensitive communications has raised concerns about security and handling of classified information. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of proper protocols in discussing national security matters.
