Posted on 03/24/2025 11:34:32 AM PDT by Miami Rebel
Vice President JD Vance criticized the judgment of his boss, President Donald Trump, in a leaked group chat in which Vance and several other senior Trump administration officials discussed the possibility of American military strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.
On Monday, The Atlantic‘s Jeffrey Goldberg revealed that he had accidentally been added to a Signal group chat in which the Principals Committee – the heads of the top American national security agencies — debated how and whether to strike the Houthis earlier this month.
At one point, after National Security Advisor Mike Waltz informed the group that they had been sent information regarding the administration’s plans over email, and Vance expressed concerns over the decision.
“Team, I am out for the day doing an economic event in Michigan. But I think we are making a mistake,” replied the vice president. “3 percent of US trade runs through the suez [canal]. 40 percent of European trade does. There is a real risk that the public doesn’t understand this or why it’s necessary. The strongest reason to do this is, as POTUS said, to send a message.”
“I am not sure the president is aware how inconsistent this is with his message on Europe right now. There’s a further risk that we see a moderate to severe spike in oil prices,” he added. “I am willing to support the consensus of the team and keep these concerns to myself. But there is a strong argument for delaying this a month, doing the messaging work on why this matters, seeing where the economy is, etc.”
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth professed to understand Vance’s concerns, but nevertheless pushed back.
“VP: I understand your concerns – and fully support you raising w/ POTUS. Important considerations, most of which are tough to know how they play out (economy, Ukraine peace, Gaza, etc). I think messaging is going to be tough no matter what – nobody knows who the Houthis are – which is why we would need to stay focused on: 1) Biden failed & 2) Iran funded,” wrote Hegseth. “Waiting a few weeks or a month does not fundamentally change the calculus. 2 immediate risks on waiting: 1) this leaks, and we look indecisive; 2) Israel takes an action first – or Gaza cease fire falls apart – and we don’t get to start this on our own terms. We can manage both. We are prepared to execute, and if I had final go or no go vote, I believe we should. This [is] not about the Houthis. I see it as two things: 1) Restoring Freedom of Navigation, a core national interest; and 2) Reestablish deterrence, which Biden cratered. But, we can easily pause. And if we do, I will do all we can to enforce 100% OPSEC.”
“If you think we should do it let’s go. I just hate bailing Europe out again,” Vance told Hegseth.
Vance’s comments about Trump not being “aware” of his “inconsistent” messaging are notable given the pair’s past. While he eventually developed into one of Trump’s most reflexive allies, the VP was once among his most strident critics.
During Trump’s 2016 campaign, Vance privately compared the then-candidate to Adolf Hitler and asked his followers on Twitter, “What percentage of the American population has @realDonaldTrump sexually assaulted?”
And from the Atlantic and named Goldberg?
Oh the huge manatee of it all, our elected officials considering other factors and points of view until the decision is made. Terrible! /s
Officials discussed the possibility of American military strikes against Houthi rebel targets in Yemen.
It’s called a warning everyone gets a or else one in life.
Select options wisely
pfl
Big deal. Smart people are not going to always agree, and they owe it to themselves and the rest of us to work it out. Can’t work it out if you don’t say you disagree.
The bigger question is why is classified info being discussed on Signal group. As far as I can determine, it’s not a classified system.
Seriously? Wow! I couldn't disagree more.
What’s going on with shipping
A 5 star YouTube channel dedicated to shipping news.
https://youtube.com/@wgowshipping?feature=shared
It’s worth a visit
Jeffrey Goldberg is the piece of shit who wrote the lie about Trump calling Americans Who Died in War Are ‘Losers’ and ‘Suckers’ when Trump was forced to cancel a trip to a French cemetery back in 2020.
Good thing nobody cares about your opinion.
The opposition wants to cause dissension.
Couldn’t disagree more.
How did you feel about Pence in 2016?
Same as you couldn't disagree more about Pence in 2016, right?
Do u trully believe Vivek would be more helpful than JD?
I saw this from some guy on X. Trump does know how to play the Euroweenies. This should be considered as well.
“The minute I read the chat my very first thought was that Goldberg was specifically and deliberately included so that he would leak what he saw to the public. The idea was to let Europe know just how unhappy American leadership is with Europe’s unwillingness to pull its weight militarily. The backchannel, seemingly accidental nature of that reveal was powerful and I believe intentional.
Also, as someone who has read his fair share of Top Secret/SCI war plans, this ain’t it.”
For sure. Potlicker probably has been eavesdropping aplenty, but couldn't resist going postal when he got this absolutely zero tidbit to throw out there.
Got it, you don't like Vance.
So who do you want as his replacement?
Guess we found the Nikki supporter.
I’ve always rooted for Vivek. He’s the ONLY public figure who unabashedly talks about DISMANTLING the unconstitutional portion of the federal gov’t. Even Musk talks about efficiency, but Vivek talks about abolishing.
Its true, I read most of those messages and it sounds like what you typically see on X on a daily basis trashing Europe and how they treat the US
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.