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?”
“ I’m not doing your homework for you. Here is his official X page:”
In other words you have no idea what you’re talking about and are just blowing stuff out your snout.
Why?
I know the answer to every question I am asking you.
Why don’t you know the answers?
Absolutely not.
There are multiple news reports about this. Hughes has not disputed them on his official X page, nor anywhere else.
I’m not an intern. I’m running a business, and I’ve spent more than enough time providing you with reports. If more than a dozen news agencies are falsifying his statements, that would be a bigger story than Dan Rather’s Texas ANG lies.
If you can provide proof that I’m making this up, go for it. I’m out.
I asked:
“What is the NSC and where is its offices located.”
You answered:
“NSC = National Security Council.”
I did not ask what does the acronym stand for. I asked what it is.
You also failed to answer where is its office.
I asked: “ How does this ABC article verify Brian Hughes made the statement attributed to him?”
And your answer is: “Hughes has not disputed them on his official X page, nor anywhere else.”
So Hughes has not verified it.
How does ABC verify it?
They said Hughes “shared it” with them.
Was this during show and tell?
Good grief. I assume Google is broken for you?
The United States National Security Council is the national security council used by the president of the United States for consideration of national security, military, and foreign policy matters.
It’s in Washington, D.C.
The National Security Advisor, Mike Waltz, is its Chairman.
I’m out.
I told you already I know the answers to every question I am asking you.
You still have not answered what the NSC is, but that’s ok, and it’s in Washington DC is a laughable answer.
You have no idea of what your talking about.
Where is the NSC office in DC?
Oh, look:
The United States National Security Council (NSC) is located in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building in Washington, D.C..
Here’s a more detailed breakdown:
Location: Eisenhower Executive Office Building, 1650 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20504.
Function: The NSC is a forum within the Executive Office of the President focused on national security and foreign policy.
Establishment: It was established in 1947 by the National Security Act.
Purpose: The NSC advises the President on national security, military, and foreign policy matters.
I’m not going down this rabbit hole with you.
-30-
Yes, it’s the White House.
Yet in post 191 you wrote: “ The White House hasn’t published a statement, news item, or remarks on Whitehouse.gov yet.”
So in turn I asked you: “Where does Brian Hughes work?” in 194.
You don’t know.
Answer: White House.
The question is why or how and under what circumstances is Brian Hughes communicating and “sharing” with The Atlantic and ABC news?
What is Brian Hughes position?
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