President Trump spoke out about the accidental inclusion of Atlantic editor Jeffrey Goldberg in a private military planning chat, calling Goldberg a “loser” and defending his administration’s handling of sensitive communications. The president shifted blame to a junior staffer working under National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, claiming no classified information was leaked during what he called a “tremendously successful” Yemen military operation.
Trump addressed Ashli Babbitt’s 2021 death at the Capitol, reinforcing his view that the Air Force veteran was wrongfully killed while exercising her right to protest election irregularities. He criticized investigations that cleared the Capitol Police officer who shot Babbitt, despite federal reviews confirming the shooting followed proper protocols during the violent siege.
The Signal app group chat controversy exposed White House officials discussing military strike details with 18 participants, including Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump dismissed concerns about security risks, stating his team used “common sense” communications and vowing to reduce reliance on digital messaging for sensitive talks.
Supporters argue the administration’s transparency proves there’s no wrongdoing, highlighting that military leadership confirmed no classified materials were shared. Critics, including Democrats in Congress, demanded investigations into what they called a reckless breach of national security protocols by Trump’s inner circle.
Babbitt’s family continues seeking justice through a $30 million wrongful death lawsuit, claiming she posed no threat when shot. Capitol Police maintain the officer acted lawfully to protect lawmakers from a mob storming the building. Many conservatives see Babbitt as a martyr for political freedom, contrasting her treatment with what they call leniency toward left-wing protesters.
Trump doubled down on his criticism of The Atlantic, accusing Goldberg of peddling “fake stories” to smear his administration. He referenced the magazine’s 2020 report about alleged disparaging remarks toward fallen soldiers, which he denies. The Atlantic defended its journalism as vital truth-telling amid attacks on press freedoms.
The president’s supporters praised his refusal to back down from media clashes, framing the Signal incident as a minor mistake blown out of proportion by hostile outlets. They argue the real story is the successful Yemen operation against Iranian-backed militants, which Trump says was executed flawlessly despite distractions.
As tensions rise over election integrity and government accountability, Trump’s base remains energized by his unapologetic defense of loyalists and dismissal of critics. The Signal leak and Babbitt’s death have become rallying cries for those who believe patriotic Americans face unfair targeting while defending constitutional values.
