Trump Administration Denies Claims of Signal App Misuse for Classified Info

The Trump administration has strongly refuted claims suggesting intelligence officials are using the encrypted messaging app Signal to share classified information, labeling the allegations as "false" in a statement issued to Fox News Digital.

National Security Council (NSC) spokesman Brian Hughes dismissed the reports following a Politico article that alleged Trump National Security Advisor Mike Waltz and his team frequently use Signal for sensitive discussions on various global issues.

"This is a clear attempt by some in media and the Democrats to obscure the simple truth: The President and his national security team are delivering for the nation by confronting our adversaries and standing with our allies to bring peace through strength," Hughes asserted.

He clarified that Signal is an approved application for unclassified information and categorically denied any claims of NSC officials transmitting classified details through the platform.

The controversy stems from an exposé by The Atlantic's Jeffrey Goldberg, who alleged he was inadvertently invited by Waltz to a private Signal group chat discussing sensitive topics, including supposed "war plans" related to an attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen. The administration's critics have since debated whether the conversations contained classified information.

Reports from outlets like The Wall Street Journal, Politico, and The Washington Post have suggested Waltz's team often utilizes Signal and similar messaging platforms for official government matters. However, Hughes emphasized that Signal's use for unclassified information is "appropriate" and a standard practice across federal agencies, with some even installing the app on government devices by default.

Adding to the drama, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have demanded answers, sending letters to individuals involved in the leaked Signal group chat. These letters call for interviews to investigate whether sensitive or classified national security information was discussed.

Representative Gerry Connolly, D-Va., a ranking member of the committee, has also demanded that Waltz cease using Gmail for official business following reports suggesting NSC members were using personal accounts for government communications. Connolly's letter requests all communications related to government business conducted via Signal or other "unauthorized" platforms.

Waltz has acknowledged the Signal chat leak but remains firm that no classified information was ever shared on the platform. Amid the scrutiny, the administration insists its use of Signal aligns with cybersecurity recommendations from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, which encouraged encrypted messaging platforms before Trump took office.