White House Points Finger at Auto-Suggested iPhone Contacts in Signal Scandal
In a surprising turn of events, Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg found himself included in a Signal group chat involving officials from the Trump administration discussing military strategies, specifically an airstrike in Yemen. The incident raises questions about how such an unexpected addition occurred.
The Accidental Addition of Jeffrey Goldberg
The most straightforward explanation for this incident centers on National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. According to reports, Waltz had Goldberg’s contact information saved on his phone, which led to an accidental addition to the group chat. When questioned, Waltz remarked that Goldberg’s number was “sucked in” from another contact, to which Goldberg humorously responded, “This isn’t ‘The Matrix.’”
Investigation Unveils a Complicated Scenario
However, an internal investigation by the White House’s information technology office revealed a more intricate situation. The Guardian reported that the incident involved an iPhone’s auto-suggestion feature. Here’s how it unfolded:
- Goldberg reached out to the White House for comment regarding a story.
- Trump spokesperson Brian Hughes subsequently texted the details of Goldberg’s email to Waltz.
- Waltz’s iPhone then provided a “contact suggestion update,” saving Goldberg’s number under Hughes’ name.
- When attempting to add Hughes to the chat, Waltz inadvertently added Goldberg instead.
Goldberg’s Response
In light of the incident, Jeffrey Goldberg stated, “I’m not going to comment on my relationship with Mike Waltz beyond saying I do know him and have spoken to him.” This statement indicates a cautious approach to discussing the circumstances surrounding his unexpected inclusion in the group chat.
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This unusual case highlights the complexities of modern communication and the potential for technology to create unexpected situations in high-stakes environments. Stay informed about similar incidents by following our Latest News updates.
