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Trump Admin’s Yemen War Plans Accidentally Sent to Journalist

March 25, 2025, 1:30 am

In a significant blunder, The Atlantic’s Editor-in-Chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently included in an unsecure group chat used by senior US national security officials. This chat, hosted on the Signal app, discussed classified airstrike plans against Houthi targets in Yemen. Goldberg detailed the incident in an article titled “The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans.”

How Was Goldberg Added?

Goldberg was added to the chat by someone posing as Michael Waltz, President Donald Trump’s national security adviser. According to Goldberg, the discussion contained sensitive information, including:

Operational details about upcoming strikes
Target locations in Yemen
Weapons to be deployed
Attack sequences

Goldberg Knew About Yemen Strikes in Advance

Goldberg revealed that he had knowledge of the strikes more than two hours before the public was informed. He warned that if this information had been accessed by adversaries, it could have jeopardized American military and intelligence personnel, especially in the Middle East.

National Security Council Responds

National Security Council (NSC) spokesperson Brian Hughes acknowledged the authenticity of the message thread and confirmed that an investigation is underway. Hughes assured that no harm was caused to US service members or national security during the Yemen operation.

Violation of Security Protocols

The inclusion of Goldberg in the chat may have violated multiple federal regulations, including:

Sharing sensitive operational data
Disclosing classified military information
Improper record maintenance

Who is Jeffrey Goldberg?

Jeffrey Goldberg is an award-winning journalist and Editor-in-Chief of The Atlantic. He has previously worked as a Middle East correspondent for The New Yorker and contributed numerous articles to The New York Times Magazine. His acclaimed book Prisoners: A Story of Friendship and Terror explores international conflicts and diplomatic challenges.

Massive Email Fail: Hackers Flood US Federal Inboxes With Spam And Troll Messages

February 2, 2025, 9:35 pm

A critical security breach in the newly installed email system of the Office of Personnel Management resulted in spams and inappropriate messages flooding the accounts of thousands of federal employees, thereby raising questions about the cybersecurity protocols of that agency.

The vulnerability, owing to a rapidly developed system, allowed anyone with an email address to send mass messages to people working for the government. Conclusively, some 13,000 employees working at the NOAA received unsolicited emails that include crude jokes, political jabs, and newsletters from organizations, such as the Church of Scientology and The Perfect Jean. Vulgar content featured in some, while others used ridicule to bash the administration with a fake weather alert predicting “fecal showers” for the next four years. The one happened under the shadow of billionaire Elon Musk who had recently reshaped OPM. According to reports, Musk had extracted much power in the agency leadership replacing seasoned experienced officials with people from his previous businesses. Among these was a 21-year-old former employee of Peter Thiel, a recent high school graduate who had interned for a few months at Neuralink, and Amanda Scales, former AI HR staffer who is OPM’s chief of staff.

Scales apparently has been under a strong change effort, removing even Chief Information Officer Melvin Brown II. The latter refused to install a new email program on the system for fear it might compromise data security. In that regard, his fears are confirmed because such a system suffered mass spamming and even invoked a class action suit for the lack of fulfillment of federal security standards.

Beyond the immediate chaos, the compromised server has also reportedly exposed sensitive communications related to Project 2025, the controversial initiative to reshape the federal workforce. With the new administration under scrutiny for its handling of government agencies, this breach underscores growing concerns about competence, security, and political influence over essential government infrastructure.

Elon Musk and Trump’s Influence Averts US Government Shutdown

December 21, 2024, 11:05 am

Elon Musk played a key role in the US government shutdown crisis, alongside President-elect Donald Trump. The Republican-controlled US House of Representatives passed a bill on Friday to avoid a midnight shutdown. Now, the Democratic-controlled Senate needs to approve it to ensure the government stays funded beyond the current funding deadline.

Potential Impact of a Shutdown

A government shutdown would have disrupted everything from law enforcement to national parks. It could have suspended paychecks for millions of federal workers. The travel industry warned that a shutdown might cost airlines, hotels, and other businesses up to $1 billion per week. Travelers could have faced long lines at airports, especially during the busy Christmas season.

Bipartisan Challenges and Controversy

The bill, passed with a bipartisan vote of 366-34, closely resembled a plan that was previously discarded. This decision came after Musk and Trump raised objections, citing unnecessary provisions, such as a pay raise for lawmakers and restrictions on pharmacy benefit managers.

Trump and Musk’s Involvement

Trump’s involvement in the funding bill was no surprise. The incoming president had doubled down on his demand to raise the debt ceiling, a critical issue that could push the nation’s borrowing capacity into the new year. His rhetoric on social media was clear: “If there is going to be a shutdown of government, let it begin now.” This emphasized the importance of a debt limit increase.

The pushback from Trump caused deep divisions within the GOP. Many Republicans, particularly fiscal conservatives, were unwilling to support a measure that increased the debt ceiling. House Speaker Mike Johnson found himself in a difficult position, needing to balance Trump’s demands with the need to avoid a shutdown.

Musk’s Pressure and Social Media Impact

Musk’s influence extended beyond the business world, even though he held no official position in Washington. Trump appointed Musk to lead a budget-cutting task force, giving him informal power to shape policy. Musk used his social media platform, X (formerly Twitter), to rally opposition against the original plan proposed by Johnson.

Musk’s criticism focused on provisions he saw as unnecessary, including pay raises for lawmakers and new restrictions on Chinese investments. His tweets signaled his disapproval, with one message reading, “It went from a bill that weighed pounds to a bill that weighed ounces.” This showed Musk’s approval of the revised plan that removed many of his concerns.

Coordinated Efforts from Trump and Musk

Trump’s backing of a revised spending plan reflected his reliance on Musk’s input. Although the revised plan did not succeed, Musk’s influence remained evident. Both Trump and Musk worked closely to influence Speaker Johnson’s approach, with Musk’s support proving crucial in galvanizing conservative opposition to the original plan.

Reaching a Compromise

The final 118-page package passed by the House was a compromise. It stripped away many controversial provisions, funding the government through March and providing $100 billion in disaster aid. However, it did not include Trump’s insistence on raising the debt ceiling, an important concession made to secure enough votes within his party.

Musk’s Increasing Influence

The passage of the bill exposed the growing power that Musk holds in Washington. As the incoming head of the Department of Government Efficiency in Trump’s administration, Musk has the potential to push forward an agenda focused on cutting government spending and increasing efficiency.

Crisis Averted, But Challenges Remain

The government shutdown crisis was narrowly averted when the House passed the bill with a 366-34 vote. More Democrats supported the bill than Republicans. The bill now heads to the Senate, where it is expected to pass quickly. President Biden has indicated he will sign it into law.

Despite the bill’s relatively smooth passage, the power struggles between the White House, Congress, and Silicon Valley are far from over. Musk, known for his stance on free speech, now plays a significant role in shaping government policy. While the immediate crisis has been defused, the ongoing influence of both Musk and Trump cannot be overlooked.

Whistleblowers Claim Secret UFO Programs by US Government: ‘We Are Not Alone In The Cosmos’

November 14, 2024, 6:12 pm

During a Congressional hearing on Wednesday, experts testified about secret U.S. programs related to Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena (UAP). The session, titled “Unidentified Anomalous Phenomena: Exposing the Truth,” featured testimony from four specialists, including retired Rear Admiral Tim Gallaudet and former Department of Defense official Luis Elizondo, as reported by NPR.

Elizondo claimed that the U.S. government has been conducting covert UAP research, including the retrieval of materials from non-human craft. He stated, “Advanced technologies not made by our government – or any other government – are monitoring sensitive military installations around the globe. Furthermore, the US has UAP technologies, as are some of our adversaries.”

He also alleged that individuals providing classified testimonies to government officials faced career threats. Elizondo added that excessive secrecy has led to “grave misdeeds” against civil servants, military personnel, and the public, all in a bid to conceal the truth: “we are not alone in the cosmos.”

Elizondo described the situation as a “multi-decade, secretive arms race — one funded by misallocated taxpayer dollars and hidden from our elected representatives and oversight bodies.”

In addition to Elizondo, Tim Gallaudet and Michael Shellenberger, a journalist and founder of Public news site, shared their insights. Gallaudet, who first encountered UAPs during his time as a Navy meteorologist, emphasized the importance of transparency and supporting whistleblowers. He remarked, “Unelected officials in the US government do not have an exclusive right to this knowledge about the nature of reality. The American people have a right to that knowledge.”

Shellenberger brought attention to the alleged “Immaculate Constellation,” a secret Pentagon initiative to gather and quarantine UFO sightings. A whistleblower allegedly revealed the program, but Department of Defense spokesperson Sue Gough has denied its existence. Shellenberger stressed that the U.S. military and intelligence community hold substantial visual and sensor information on UFOs. “What the American people need to know is that the US, military and intelligence community are sitting on a huge amount of visual and other information: still photos, video, photos, other sensor information, and they have for a very long time. And it’s not those fuzzy photos and videos that we’ve been given. There’s very clear, high resolution [files],” he said.

IMMACULATE CONSTELLATION – Report on the US government’s secret UAP (UFO) program

From a whistleblower and released today by @NancyMace and discussed in today’s Congressional hearing

FULL REPORT pic.twitter.com/FKCywpnhsU

— Michael Shellenberger (@shellenberger) November 13, 2024

The hearing followed a year after whistleblower David Grusch accused the Pentagon of running a secret UFO retrieval program, although no physical evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims.

In response, a Pentagon spokesperson stated, “The department has not found any verifiable evidence that any UAP observation represented extraterrestrial activity nor has the department discovered any verifiable information to substantiate claims that any programs regarding the possession or reverse-engineering of extraterrestrial materials have existed in the past or exist currently.”

Tulsi Gabbard Claims Placement on ‘Secret Terror Watchlist’ Amid Political Retaliation

September 5, 2024, 4:54 pm

Tulsi Gabbard, former US Representative and vocal critic of Kamala Harris, has disclosed that the US government has placed her on a “secret terror watchlist.” In a video posted on her X account, Gabbard, who is now affiliated with Donald Trump’s campaign, accused the Biden administration of targeting her for political reasons.

In the video, Gabbard detailed her experiences with increased TSA scrutiny, stating that she and her husband, Abraham Williams, have faced heightened security checks multiple times before boarding flights. She claimed that TSA agents repeatedly told them these were random selections, despite the frequency of the screenings.

Gabbard revealed that, according to Federal Air Marshall whistleblowers, she was added to the “Quiet Skies” watchlist on July 23, coinciding with the start of these intensified TSA searches. She criticized the Biden administration’s actions as excessive and questioned the perceived threat she posed.

The former congresswoman expressed concern about what she views as governmental overreach, suggesting that everyday Americans are being monitored and targeted by their own government for holding dissenting views.

US Accuses Iran Of Cyber Attacks On 2024 Presidential Campaigns

August 20, 2024, 1:06 pm

United States has accused Iran of launching cyber-attacks targeting the presidential campaigns of Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, as well as attempting to influence US voters to deepen political divisions. This assessment, made by the FBI and other federal agencies, marks the first time the US government has publicly attributed responsibility amid rising concerns over foreign interference in the upcoming election.

Iranian Cyber Operations Target Campaigns

According to a joint statement from the FBI, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Iranian activities have become increasingly aggressive during this election cycle. The agencies reported that Iran’s cyber operations specifically targeted both Harris and Trump’s campaigns. “This includes the recently reported activities to compromise former President Trump’s campaign, which the intelligence community attributes to Iran,” the statement read.

Earlier this month, the Trump campaign accused Iran of hacking one of its websites, with Trump downplaying the incident by stating that Iran only accessed publicly available information. The US agencies also noted that Iranian operatives used social engineering and other techniques to gain access to individuals with direct ties to both campaigns.

Iran Denies Allegations

In response to the US accusations, Iran’s mission to the United Nations dismissed the claims as “unsubstantiated and devoid of any standing,” and challenged Washington to provide evidence. The statement from Iran reiterated that the country has neither the intent nor the motive to interfere in the US presidential election.

Election Security and Past Precedents

Google recently reported that hackers linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, identified as APT42, have been targeting high-profile individuals and organizations in the US and Israel, including political campaigns. This comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, especially with the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The current allegations echo concerns from the 2016 election, when Russian hackers were blamed for breaching Democratic National Committee emails, which exposed internal communications, including those related to candidate Hillary Clinton.

With the US election scheduled for November 5, the ongoing cyber threats and foreign interference remain a critical concern for national security, although the US agencies have not provided specific details on how they concluded Iran’s involvement or what information may have been compromised.

Biden Administration To Ban Kaspersky Antivirus Citing Security Risks

August 10, 2024, 6:23 pm

Biden administration announced on Thursday plans to prohibit the sale of antivirus software from Russia’s Kaspersky Lab in the United States, citing significant security risks. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that Russia’s influence over Kaspersky poses a threat, with the software’s deep access to computer systems potentially allowing it to steal sensitive information, install malware, or withhold critical updates. This decision comes as Kaspersky’s customer base includes critical infrastructure providers and government entities.

Concerns Over Russian Influence and Cybersecurity Risks

Raimondo highlighted the need to prevent Russian companies from exploiting American data, stating, “Russia has shown it has the capacity and intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans.” The administration’s move follows broad powers established under former President Donald Trump, which allow the US government to restrict transactions between American firms and tech companies from “foreign adversary” nations like Russia and China.

Kaspersky Denies Allegations, Plans Legal Action

Kaspersky Lab responded to the US government’s decision by arguing that the ban is based on geopolitical concerns rather than an objective evaluation of their products. The company maintained that its activities do not threaten US national security and announced plans to pursue legal options to preserve its operations in the United States. Kaspersky, which has long been under scrutiny by regulators, continues to deny any ties to the Russian government, asserting that it operates as a privately managed company.

Broader Implications and Enforcement of New Restrictions

The new rules will come into effect on September 29, barring the sale, resale, and licensing of Kaspersky software in the US, including the download of software updates. The Commerce Department will also add three Kaspersky units, two based in Russia and one in the UK, to a trade restriction list for allegedly cooperating with Russian military intelligence. These measures are part of the US government’s ongoing efforts to minimize cybersecurity risks as tensions with Russia continue to rise, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Violations of these new restrictions will result in fines from the Commerce Department, and willful violations could lead to criminal charges from the Justice Department. While Kaspersky software users will not face legal penalties, they are strongly encouraged to discontinue its use.

Israeli Military Initiates Tactical Pause To Boost Humanitarian Aid In Gaza

June 16, 2024, 12:54 pm

Israeli military has decided to pause its operations temporarily to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been severely affected by the Israel-Palestine war. This includes reopening the Erez Crossing which is the main passenger terminal, and using the Ashdod port to manage aid shipments. These actions are Israel’s efforts to respond to US demands for improved humanitarian access and the protection of civilians in Gaza.

As of June 14, at 3:30 pm in Gaza (12:30 GMT), at least 37,266 people have been killed, including more than 15,000 children, with over 85,102 people injured and more than 10,000 missing. In the West Bank, the death toll is at least 547 people, including 134 children, with more than 5,000 injured. Meanwhile, Israeli officials confirmed that 1,139 people lost their lives in the October 7 attack with at least 8,730 people injured.

Details of Israel’s four-hour pause

According to a statement, Israel will implement daily four-hour pauses in its military operations in northern Gaza. These breaks are planned to ensure the safe delivery of aid to civilians caught in the conflict. The US has also stressed the importance of increased humanitarian support and emphasized the need to protect aid workers and civilians. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pointed out that nearly the entire population in Gaza is experiencing severe food insecurity and urged Israel to continue prioritizing aid delivery efforts.

Meanwhile, the Biden administration has been urging Israel to take stronger humanitarian actions due to growing international pressure. President Biden has asked Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to improve the safety of civilians and aid workers and also to work towards a ceasefire. While Biden has called for an immediate ceasefire, he clarified that this doesn’t mean stopping U.S. military aid to Israel but is a push for more serious humanitarian efforts.

Notable increase in aid to Gaza

Recently, 106 trucks with humanitarian aid entered Gaza in a single day which is a notable increase compared to previous weeks when little to no aid was delivered. However, US officials and aid organizations point out that this is still not enough to address the crisis. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) also noted the critical need for fuel supplies, which are essential for their operations and overall relief efforts in Gaza.

The international community is closely analyzing these developments, urging both Israel and Hamas to follow humanitarian standards and ensure aid reaches those in need. The tactical pause and increased aid flow are positive steps, but ongoing efforts and global cooperation are needed to fully address the humanitarian crisis.

Google Mocks Microsoft’s Security Lapses, With A ‘Message’ For The US government

May 22, 2024, 1:29 pm

In response to recent security vulnerabilities in Microsoft Office, Google has intensified its efforts to attract corporate and government clients to its Workspace productivity suite. This move comes after a scathing report by the US Cyber Safety Review Board criticized Microsoft for failing to prevent China-linked hackers from accessing US officials’ email accounts last year.

Google’s approach emphasizes the importance of diversifying technology vendors to mitigate the risk of a single breach compromising an entire system. The company advocates for a multi-vendor strategy and the promotion of open standards for better interoperability and security resilience.

Furthermore, Google emphasizes the necessity of integrating security measures from the design phase of software products, rather than as an afterthought. The company’s strategy includes offering discounts and highlighting its strong security track record to entice government agencies and businesses to switch to Workspace Enterprise Plus, backed by Google’s security expertise and free migration consulting.

In a blog post authored by Jeanette Manfra and Charley Snyder from Google Cloud’s security and compliance teams, Google announced special pricing and assistance for US public sector organizations adopting Workspace Enterprise Plus, Assured Controls Plus, Chrome Enterprise Premium, and related services.

Protestors storm streets of American cities to criticise Israel’s military operation in Gaza

November 5, 2023, 10:32 am

According to The New York Times, tens of thousands of protesters filled the streets of American cities on Saturday (local time) to denounce Israel’s Gaza military operation in response to the Hamas attack last month. Protests calling for a cease-fire and lifting of the siege in Gaza took place in New York, Nashville, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, and even Orono, Maine.

The demonstrations came a week after vast protests in Asian and European capitals and a day after the Israeli government appeared to reject the United States’ call for “humanitarian pauses” in the bombardment.
The protests were filled with messages like “Mourn the dead; fight like hell for the living” and “Let Gaza live!” They also sought a shutdown of American aid to Israel, blending policy demands with anguish and ambition.
Some of the chants, most especially “From the river to the sea!” have been condemned as an antisemitic call for Israel’s destruction, though many protesters have defended the slogan as a cry for freedom, as per The New York Times.

Public opinion surveys revealed support for Israel in its military campaign against Hamas, which the US government considers a terrorist organization, but also raised concerns for Palestinian civilians, which led to the protests in the capital and other locations. Over 9,000 Gazans have died as a result of Israel’s bombing campaign, while about 1,400 Israelis lost their lives in the Hamas attack.