Waltz was photographed using Signal during Cabinet meeting a day before his removal

ABC News - May 1st, 2025
Open on ABC News

President Donald Trump's former national security adviser, Mike Waltz, was photographed using the encrypted messaging app Signal during a Cabinet meeting, just one day before Trump announced his replacement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This development comes amid scrutiny over Waltz's previous mishap involving a journalist accidentally added to a Signal group chat discussing a U.S. military operation in Yemen. Despite Trump's public defense of Waltz, sources indicate the president's growing frustration with him, leading to Waltz's transition to a new role as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

The use of Signal has been controversial, as the Pentagon's internal watchdog has criticized its use for official communications, citing breaches in records retention policies. An investigation led by DOD acting Inspector General Steven Stebbins is assessing compliance with policies regarding the use of such apps, particularly in light of allegations against Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's use of Signal during the Yemen attack. Despite Republican leaders blocking Democratic efforts to probe the issue in Congress, the investigation's findings could have significant implications for the administration's handling of sensitive communications and its impact on national security protocols.

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The story provides a comprehensive overview of a significant political development involving the use of Signal by government officials. It is largely accurate, supported by credible sources, and timely, addressing issues of national security and government transparency. However, it could benefit from more balanced perspective representation and greater transparency regarding the verification of certain claims. The article is engaging and has the potential to influence public discourse, although some sections may be dense for general audiences. Overall, the story effectively highlights the complexities and controversies surrounding secure communication practices in government.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The story is largely accurate, with most factual claims supported by other reputable sources. It accurately reports that Mike Waltz was photographed using Signal during a Cabinet meeting and that he was replaced by Marco Rubio as interim national security adviser. The report also correctly mentions the controversy surrounding Waltz's use of Signal involving journalist Jeffrey Goldberg. However, some details, such as the exact nature of frustrations within the administration and the specifics of the ongoing investigations, require further verification. Overall, the story aligns well with other reports, but it could benefit from additional corroboration of certain claims.

7
Balance

The story presents multiple perspectives, including statements from White House Communications Director Steven Cheung defending Waltz's use of Signal and the criticisms from the Pentagon's internal watchdog. However, it leans slightly towards highlighting the controversy and potential misconduct. While it mentions Trump's defense of Waltz, it doesn't delve deeply into the reasons behind Waltz's continued support within the administration, which could provide a more balanced view.

7
Clarity

The article is generally clear, with a logical flow and straightforward language. It effectively outlines the sequence of events, from Waltz's use of Signal to his removal and subsequent nomination as UN ambassador. However, the narrative could be more concise in parts, as some sections contain dense information that may overwhelm readers unfamiliar with the context.

8
Source quality

The story utilizes credible sources, including a Reuters photograph and statements from White House officials. It also references ABC News and The Wall Street Journal, which are reputable outlets. However, the story could improve by directly quoting or attributing information to more diverse sources, particularly those involved in the investigation, to enhance the depth and reliability of the reporting.

6
Transparency

The article provides some context regarding the use of Signal and its approval status within the government. However, it lacks a detailed explanation of the methodology behind the claims, such as how the information was obtained or the processes involved in verifying the details of the Signal chats. Greater transparency about the sources and methods used would improve the story's credibility.

Sources

  1. https://www.politico.com/news/2025/05/01/trump-plans-to-oust-national-security-adviser-mike-waltz-00321200
  2. https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/michael-waltz-expected-depart-trumps-national-security-adviser/story?id=121360051
  3. https://www.timesofisrael.com/white-house-national-security-adviser-mike-waltz-said-forced-out-witkoff-may-replace-him/
  4. https://www.nbcdfw.com/news/business/money-report/photo-shows-trump-officials-still-using-signal-after-president-discourages-it/3830820/
  5. https://news.sky.com/video/waltz-pictured-at-cabinet-meeting-day-before-being-removed-from-national-security-adviser-role-13359572