Published on: 2025-03-24

Intelligence Report: Trump national security team messaged plans for Yemen strikes to Atlantic editor in chief – New York Post

1. BLUF (Bottom Line Up Front)

A significant breach of national security occurred when sensitive plans for military strikes in Yemen were inadvertently shared with an external party, Jeffrey Goldberg. This incident highlights vulnerabilities in communication protocols within the Trump administration. Immediate measures are recommended to prevent future occurrences and safeguard sensitive information.

2. Detailed Analysis

The following structured analytic techniques have been applied for this analysis:

General Analysis

The incident involved a message chain discussing military operations against the Houthi group in Yemen, mistakenly including Jeffrey Goldberg. Key figures in the administration, such as JD Vance, Pete Hegseth, and Mike Waltz, were part of this chain. The breach was identified when Goldberg received a stream of internal deliberations, revealing operational details and disagreements over the strikes. The administration’s response has been to downplay the breach, but the incident has drawn bipartisan criticism and raised concerns over the handling of classified information.

3. Implications and Strategic Risks

The breach poses several risks:

• National Security: Unauthorized disclosure of military plans could compromise operations and endanger personnel.
• Regional Stability: Leaked plans may embolden adversaries and destabilize the region further.
• Economic Interests: Increased tensions could impact global oil markets and trade routes.

The incident also highlights potential vulnerabilities in communication systems, which could be exploited by foreign intelligence agencies.

4. Recommendations and Outlook

Recommendations:

• Implement stricter communication protocols and verification processes to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Enhance cybersecurity measures to protect communication platforms from phishing and hacking attempts.
• Conduct regular training for personnel on the handling of classified information and secure communication practices.

Outlook:

Best-case scenario: Immediate corrective actions are taken, restoring confidence in the administration’s handling of sensitive information.

Worst-case scenario: Continued breaches lead to compromised operations and strained international relations.

Most likely outcome: Incremental improvements in communication security, with ongoing scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.

5. Key Individuals and Entities

The report mentions significant individuals and organizations involved in the incident:

• Donald Trump
• Jeffrey Goldberg
• JD Vance
• Pete Hegseth
• Mike Waltz
• Brian Hughes
• Karoline Leavitt
• Tulsi Gabbard
• Mark Warner
• Mike Lawler
• Don Bacon

These individuals played various roles in the communication chain and subsequent responses to the breach.