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Senator Lankford Calls for Investigation into “Signalgate” National Security Leak

Senator James Lankford has called for an independent investigation into the “Signalgate” controversy, where top White House officials mistakenly included a journalist in a secure group chat discussing a military strike. The issue has sparked bipartisan concerns over national security and classified communications.

Sen. James Lankford (R-Okla.) departs a vote at the Capitol on March 27, 2025. | Francis Chung/POLITICO

Senator Lankford Calls for “Signalgate” Investigation

Oklahoma Senator James Lankford has publicly urged an independent probe into the recent security breach involving White House officials discussing military plans on the Signal app. Lankford is among the few Republicans pushing for further scrutiny.


The Accidental Leak That Sparked Controversy

A journalist was unintentionally added to a Signal chat where Trump administration officials discussed an airstrike on Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen. This raised concerns over how classified discussions are handled outside secure government systems.


Republican and Democratic Reactions Differ

While some Republicans, including Lankford and Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker, support an investigation, most GOP members downplay the situation. Meanwhile, top Democrats demand resignations from key officials involved.


Defense Secretary and National Security Adviser Under Pressure

Democrats have called for the resignation of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz. However, Lankford believes such measures are excessive, stating that officials assumed the chat was secure.


The National Security Debate Continues

Despite downplaying the issue, the Trump administration faces mounting questions over its communication protocols. Calls for accountability continue as the Pentagon’s inspector general considers an independent investigation.

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