The Los Angeles Post
U.S. World Business Lifestyle
Today: April 02, 2025
Today: April 02, 2025

Trump says he won't 'fire people' over Signal messages, reiterates support of national security team

Trump
March 29, 2025

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — President Donald Trump on Saturday made his clearest commitment to not fire anyone over an embarrassing accidental leak of his administration’s plans for an airstrike against the Houthis in Yemen.

“I don’t fire people because of fake news and because of witch hunts,” Trump said in an interview with NBC News' Kristen Welker.

He also said that he had confidence in Mike Waltz, his national security adviser, and Pete Hegseth, his Pentagon chief.

Waltz inadvertently added Jeffrey Goldberg, the editor of The Atlantic magazine, to a group text using the Signal encrypted messaging service where top officials were discussing plans to attack the Houthis.

During the chat, Hegseth included details on how the strike would unfold before it took place.

Afterwards, The Atlantic published an article on the internal exchange, shocking the national security establishment.

Trump is eager to avoid repeating some of the turnover that characterized his first term. Mike Flynn, his first national security adviser, was pushed out after only a few weeks during the early phase of the Russia investigation. He’s also shown resistance to bowing to outside pressure, especially if it comes from the news media.

Asked if there were conversations about firing Waltz, Trump insisted, “I’ve never heard that. And nobody else makes that decision but me, and I’ve never heard it.”

Share This

Popular

MidEast|Political|World

Israel to expand Gaza military operation with large-scale evacuations

Israel to expand Gaza military operation with large-scale evacuations
MidEast|Political|World

Middle East latest: Israeli defense minister says military is expanding its operation in Gaza

Middle East latest: Israeli defense minister says military is expanding its operation in Gaza
MidEast|Political|World

Israel’s military operation in Gaza Strip expanding to seize 'large areas,' defense minister says

Israel’s military operation in Gaza Strip expanding to seize 'large areas,' defense minister says
MidEast|Political|World

As Israel advances in Gaza, many exhausted families flee again. Some can't bear it

As Israel advances in Gaza, many exhausted families flee again. Some can't bear it

MidEast

Crime|MidEast|Political

Two arrested as investigation into ‘QatarGate’ in Israel deepens

Two arrested as investigation into ‘QatarGate’ in Israel deepens
Crime|MidEast|Political|US

Mahmoud Khalil’s case to remain in New Jersey after judge denies US government’s bid to move it

Mahmoud Khalil’s case to remain in New Jersey after judge denies US government’s bid to move it
Education|MidEast|Political|US|World

Princeton's US grants frozen, follows Trump actions against other schools

Princeton's US grants frozen, follows Trump actions against other schools
Asia|MidEast|Political|World

Russian, Chinese foreign ministers discuss Iran's nuclear program and Korea, Russia says

Russian, Chinese foreign ministers discuss Iran's nuclear program and Korea, Russia says