Trump Backs Waltz Amid Security Breach Controversy

Key Points

• • President Trump expressed unwavering support for national security adviser Mike Waltz amid a controversy regarding a security breach involving classified discussions on military strikes.
• • Trump labeled the incident as “the only glitch” of his administration and insisted that classified information was not shared in an encrypted group chat on Signal.
• • The White House aimed to shift focus by showcasing Trump's executive actions on conservative issues while addressing the fallout from the breach.
• • Waltz took responsibility for the incident, claiming he built the group chat and downplaying the involvement of The Atlantic’s editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg.
• • Trump's aides advised him that he was the only one capable of calming the situation, leading to his public defense of Waltz.
• • The breach's revelation prompted frustration among Trump and his advisers, with concerns over using Signal for sensitive communications.
• • High-profile officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, faced scrutiny as they prepared for a congressional hearing on the incident.
• • Trump downplayed the severity of the situation, suggesting it was a technical error and emphasizing the need to learn from the experience.
• • Internal discussions revealed concern among Trump’s team about the implications for national security and the competence of his administration.
• • Despite calls for resignations and apologies from both Democrats and some Republicans, Trump retained confidence in Waltz to avoid feeding criticism of his administration.
• • The incident prompted inquiries from the Senate Armed Services Committee and concern about the implications for upcoming elections in Florida.
• • Trump’s handling of the situation reflected a familiar strategy of deflection, blaming the media, and maintaining loyalty to aides despite the controversy.