Chatgate: sensitive data of senior Trump administration officials exposed online

The incident is unbelievable and reveals amateurish handling of security in the new Trump era. A leak reveals personal information of Mike Waltz, Tulsi Gabbard and Pete Hegseth. Shedding light is the German newspaper Der Spiegel

An investigation by Der Spiegel has revealed that the personal data of important Trump administration officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, is easily accessible online. Mobile phone numbers, email addresses and even passwords have reportedly been identified through search engines and hacked databases.

The main concern is the potential access of foreign agents to classified conversations. In particular, Waltz, Gabbard and Hegseth allegedly used Signal to discuss operational plans for an attack against the Houthi militia in Yemen, putting sensitive information at risk. Although Trump denied that classified data was shared in the chat, the use of unauthorised applications violates national security regulations.

The investigation highlighted the ease with which journalists obtained such information through data leaks posted on platforms such as WikiLeaks and Reddit. Donald Ortmann, a cybersecurity expert, warned that these exposures increase the risks of phishing, installation of malware and monitoring of communications.

Der Spiegel chose not to publish sensitive details and informed the officials involved directly. The White House did not comment.

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