Condemns the Trump administration for using the unsecure messaging app Signal to discuss a military operation, potentially endangering national security and violating federal law.
Julie Johnson
Representative
TX-32
This bill condemns the Trump administration for using the Signal messaging platform to discuss sensitive military operations, potentially endangering national security and violating federal law. It calls for a review of communication procedures, an investigation into potential violations, and accountability for those who mishandled classified information. The bill also demands that the administration restrict communication of sensitive information to secure facilities and enforce strict penalties for unauthorized disclosures.
Resolution Condemns Trump Admin's Signal Use for Sensitive Military Ops Info, Citing National Security Risks
This resolution formally condemns the previous Trump administration for using the messaging platform Signal to communicate potentially classified or highly sensitive information related to a U.S. military operation. It flags serious concerns that top officials—including the Vice President and Secretaries of Defense and State—might have skirted federal laws on handling classified data and failed to properly document these communications, potentially leaving national security secrets vulnerable.
The Core Complaint: Texting Top Secrets?
The central issue raised is the alleged use of a commercial, encrypted messaging app (Signal) by numerous high-ranking national security officials for discussions that, according to the resolution, involved "highly sensitive or potentially classified information" about military actions. This isn't just about using the wrong app; it touches on fundamental requirements for safeguarding national security information and maintaining official records. The resolution points out that federal law dictates strict procedures for handling such sensitive data, procedures potentially bypassed by using an unauthorized platform.
Why It Matters: National Security and Troop Safety
The resolution doesn't mince words about the potential fallout. It explicitly states concerns that using platforms like Signal for this purpose could endanger national security by potentially exposing critical information to foreign adversaries, specifically naming China and Russia as actors known to target U.S. intelligence. Furthermore, it condemns the administration for potentially putting American service members at risk by discussing military operations in what it deems an "unsecure setting" and sharing details with a "nongovernmental party" (though details on this party aren't provided in the resolution text).
The Ask: Investigations and Tighter Rules
Beyond condemnation, the resolution calls for concrete actions from the administration it addresses. It requests a thorough review of existing procedures for communicating classified information and investigations into both the specific Signal incident and the broader use of unapproved messaging services by officials. Crucially, it pushes for accountability, asking for probes into potential legal violations and consequences for any officials found to have broken laws regarding classified communications. The resolution strongly advocates for reinforcing strict protocols, mandating the use of Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIFs) for all classified discussions, and making it clear that violations will result in removal from office and legal penalties.