Rubio Breaks Silence on Signal Chat Leak: "Someone Made a Big Mistake"

In a rare moment of frankness, Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the leaked Signal chat controversy for the first time on Wednesday, stating that "someone made a big mistake" when an editor from The Atlantic accidentally found their way into a Signal text chain meant for Washington's top national security officials.

Rubio, speaking from Jamaica, said the encrypted text chain was created for coordination purposes among officials. While the Pentagon insists that no classified information was shared, the revelation that sensitive data may have been exchanged on a platform vulnerable to Russian hackers caused global ripples.

"Obviously, someone made a mistake. Someone made a big mistake and added a journalist," Rubio said, adding with a touch of humor, "Nothing against journalists. But you ain't supposed to be on that thing." Despite the mishap, Rubio clarified he contributed minimally to the texts, noting his involvement was limited to identifying his chief of staff as his point of contact and sending congratulations to the team hours after official White House announcements.

While he emphasized that no classified intelligence or operational threats were involved, Rubio acknowledged the content was "not intended to be divulged." He also confirmed the White House is investigating the incident, which President Donald Trump has downplayed as "the only glitch in two months" of his administration.

National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, who reportedly set up the text chain and accidentally added the journalist, has taken full responsibility for the "embarrassing" mistake. Similarly, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard described the error as a slip-up while testifying before the House Intelligence Committee. She reiterated that the texts did not include classified information but admitted they contained "candid and sensitive" details.

The controversy has fueled a fierce debate between The Atlantic and the White House. While administration officials insist no "war planning" information was shared, The Atlantic claims the texts outlined attack plans. Among the leaked messages were updates from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, detailing strike schedules and operational timings, such as drone launches and F-18 strike windows.

Rubio, aligning with other administration officials, pointed to the Pentagon's assessment, which concluded the texts did not endanger lives or jeopardize missions. "There was no intelligence information," Rubio reiterated.