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U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth criticized The Atlantic for publishing further details about a controversial Signal chat. The chat was mistakenly disclosed to Jeffrey Goldberg, editor in chief of The Atlantic, by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz. The discussions were regarding recent assaults on Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Trump administration’s officials have refuted claims that the chat contained any classified information.
In a pointed response, Hegseth dismissed the severity of the information that The Atlantic referred to as "war plans." He emphasized that the details lacked any substance that would constitute sensitive or classified military information. "No names. No targets. No locations. No units. No routes. No sources. No methods. And no classified information," he stated, thereby questioning the credibility of the publication’s characterization of the chat contents.
Hegseth’s rebuke extends to a critique of Goldberg’s understanding of military operations. "This only proves one thing: Jeff Goldberg has never seen a war plan or an ’attack plan’ (as he now calls it). Not even close," Hegseth expressed, showcasing his disdain for the report’s implications.
The Defense Secretary also took the opportunity to highlight his current duties, noting that as he was addressing the issue, he and his team were actively engaged in the INDOPACOM region. His work involves meeting with commanders, who are responsible for crafting actual "war plans," and interacting with troops on the ground.
Hegseth concluded his statement with a broadside against the media, accusing them of propagating hoaxes. "We will continue to do our job, while the media does what it does best: peddle hoaxes," he declared, reinforcing his commitment to his role and responsibilities amidst the controversy.
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