White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt came to President Trump’s defense on Wednesday after it was revealed that senior national security officials used the encrypted app Signal to exchange sensitive military information, including launch times of warplanes.
In response to increasing criticism over the leak, Leavitt deflected criticism, pointing out that the President is still assured of his administration’s management of national security. “The President’s position on this is the same as yesterday,” she said in a statement to reporters. “He went straight to the press and addressed this story. He has put great faith in his national security team.”
.@PressSec: The President’s view on all of this remains the same today as it did yesterday… He went directly to all of you, members of the press, and tackled this story… He has placed great trust in his national security team. As for Signal, this is an approved app. pic.twitter.com/j6rFfAo0nj
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 26, 2025
She played down the furor over the use of Signal, reiterating its “approved app” status for government communications. Instead, Leavitt shifted attention to Trump’s recent military action against Houthi rebels, labeling it a resounding success.
“The true story here is the President’s bold military action against Houthi terrorists,” she stated. “This mission was warranted due to Joe Biden’s incompetence and pathetic weakness on the world stage. The Houthis became emboldened under his failed leadership.”
Even with Leavitt’s vigorous defense, the revelation of the Signal chat has brought into question the security of sensitive information and the wider implications of using unofficial communication channels for military operations.
