US national security adviser Mike Waltz, has shouldered “full responsibility” for the shocking breach of confidential US war texts.
However, Donald Trump has leapt to the defence of Waltz, whom he appointed for the role in his second term, despite the gaffe, which has sparked worry and queries over US security.
Apparently, Mr Waltz accidentally included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief at a major magazine, in a conversation that counted 18 high-ranking administration officials deliberating on plans for military action.
The subsequent expose of messages unveiled the scorn some of Trump’s prime cabinet members harbour for their ‘free-loading’ European counterparts. One correspondence stated: “I fully share your loathing of European free-loading. It’s PATHETIC.”
Now, Mr Waltz, aged 51, has stated he bears “full responsibility” for the incident. The ex-Army Special Forces officer from Florida conceded: “We made a mistake. We’re moving forward.”
Despite initial claims today that Mr Trump is “on the rampage” after the lapse, the president has publicly minimised the incident. Remarkably, in an interview with NBC News, he labelled it as “the only glitch in two months” of his government’s tenure, reports The Mirror.
Backing his official, the President said: “Michael Waltz has learned a lesson, and he’s a good man.”
Astonishingly, Mr Trump even suggested that it was one of Mr Waltz’s staff who was to blame, stating, “It was one of Michael’s people on the phone. A staffer had his number on there,” added the leader, who is now 78 years old.
The administration has come under fire for using the messaging app Signal to discuss a sensitive operation, drawing fierce criticism from Democratic lawmakers who are incensed that the White House and senior officials maintain no classified information was compromised. Officials have been left scrambling to justify the use of the widely accessible app for such a sensitive conversation.
President Trump himself has acknowledged the controversy, indicating a shift away from Signal for future communications. He stated: “We won’t be using it very much… That’s one of the prices you pay when you’re not sitting in the Situation Room with no phones on, which is always the best, frankly. If it was up to me everybody would be sitting in a room together. The room would have solid lead walls and a lead ceiling and lead floor.”
In an attempt to get more insight into the unfolding drama, an aide spoke briefly to British journalist Andrew Neil on Tuesday. However, the conversation was cut short as the aide cryptically warned: “The President is on the rampage. It’s not safe to talk. I’m keeping my head down.”