Breaking: Michael Waltz’s Gmail Secrets Exposed

National Security Adviser Embroiled in Controversy

Michael Waltz, the embattled national security adviser to Donald Trump, and other members of the national security council have reportedly used personal Gmail accounts to conduct government business. The apparent use of Gmail, a relatively insecure method of communication for high-level government officials, places further scrutiny upon Waltz, who is already under pressure after adding a journalist to a group chat on the commercial Signal app, where top US officials then planned and celebrated a US airstrike in Yemen last month.

The revelations of the Gmail use come from Unionjournalism, which said it has reviewed documents and interviewed three unnamed officials about the apparent security lapse. Waltz had “potentially exploitable information” sent to his Gmail, such as his schedule and other work documents, the Post reported. One of Waltz’s aides on the national security council, meanwhile, allegedly used Gmail for more sensitive material, such as discussing military positions and weapons systems with colleagues in other government agencies who used their government-issued accounts.

A spokesperson for the national security council denied to Unionjournalism that Waltz had used Gmail improperly. “Waltz didn’t and wouldn’t send classified information on an open account,” the spokesperson said. This latest episode, however, risks further damage to the standing of Waltz following the revelation last week that he added Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of the Atlantic magazine, to a Signal group chat that involved senior figures such as JD Vance, the US vice-president, and Pete Hegseth, the defense secretary, that discussed details of an airstrike upon the Houthi rebel group in Yemen.

Waltz has said that Goldberg’s number was somehow “sucked in” to his phone, a comment that drew scorn from Goldberg and others. Trump has, however, declined to fire Waltz, instead calling the incident a “glitch”. Prior to his role as the president’s national security adviser, Waltz was highly critical of Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state.

Email Scandal Fallout

Democrats have been pushing for Waltz and Hegseth to resign amid the scandal. “Mike Waltz is totally and completely unqualified to be in a sensitive national security position, as is the case with the Trump national security team,” Hakeem Jeffries, the Democratic leader in the House of Representatives, told Axios. Jeffries said that Hegseth and Waltz should be fired if they did not resign immediately.

White House National Security Adviser

The White House national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said on Friday that the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, was expected to sign a minerals agreement with the United States imminently, as part of broader negotiations to end the war with Russia. “Here’s the bottom line: President Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term,” Waltz said during remarks at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).

The statement comes amid an increasingly public dispute between Zelenskyy and Donald Trump, with Waltz telling Fox News this week that the Ukrainian leader needed to “tone it down” and sign the proposed agreement. The proposed partnership would give the United States access to Ukraine’s deposits of critical minerals including aluminum, gallium and titanium, Waltz said – materials that are essential for advanced technology manufacturing such as semiconductors and have significant military applications.

The so-called agreement is also being positioned as a way for American taxpayers to recoup some of their investment in Ukraine’s defense, with US aid to Ukraine having exceeded $175bn, according to Waltz. Waltz indicated that interest in a deal was first broached by Zelenskyy last September as part of his “victory plan” seeking US investment, but it is not clear whether any idea revolved around the US developing rare earth mineral resources in Ukraine.

Last week, the treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, presented Zelenskyy with the draft proposal for that plan, with Ukraine providing approximately $500bn worth of rare earth elements to the US. The mounting tensions took a turn for the worse when Ukraine was excluded from US-Russian talks in Saudi Arabia this week. Zelenskyy’s subsequent criticism drew a sharp rebuke from Trump, who made unfounded claims that the Ukrainian leader had “started” the war.

Zelenskyy responded by accusing Trump of being caught in a “disinformation bubble” – Trump then called the Ukrainian leader a dictator. Still, Waltz, who recently returned from Saudi Arabia where he met with Russian officials, said negotiations to end the conflict were progressing. He claimed Putin and Zelenskyy had credited Trump’s leadership as crucial to the peace process, with both leaders allegedly indicating “only he could drive an end to this war”.

The national security adviser also made an increasingly familiar criticism of European allies’ financial support for Ukraine, noting that European contributions were primarily in the form of loans, often repaid through interest on frozen Russian assets, while US aid had been direct funding. The push on signing the minerals agreement comes as the Trump administration steps up diplomatic engagement with European leaders, with Waltz noting that the French president, Emmanuel Macron, was expected to visit Washington on Monday and the United Kingdom’s prime minister, Keir Starmer, on Friday.

The White House’s aggressive stance for a peace deal came as the third day of CPAC being held outside Washington was under way. The widely attended conservative conference has already featured high-profile speeches from JD Vance, the former White House strategist Steve Bannon and tech billionaire Elon Musk, with Trump scheduled to be the finale on Saturday.

The conference has not been without controversy. The French far-right leader Jordan Bardella cancelled his scheduled speech on Friday morning, citing Bannon’s “allusion to Nazi ideology” after the former Trump aide finished his Thursday speech with a shot-out, outstretched arm gesture that resembled a Nazi-style salute.

National Security Adviser Caught in Email Scandal

Hakeem Jeffries’ Statement on Waltz’s Qualifications and Security Breaches

In response to the growing controversy surrounding Mike Waltz, the national security adviser to President Donald Trump, Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic Leader, has voiced his concerns over Waltz’s qualifications and the security risks his actions pose. Jeffries asserted that Waltz’s actions demonstrate a lack of understanding of the critical nature of his role and the security protocols required to protect sensitive information.

Jeffries emphasized, “Waltz is totally and completely unqualified to be in a sensitive national security position. His actions have compromised the integrity of our nation’s security apparatus, and it is imperative that he and Pete Hegseth resign immediately to restore any semblance of credibility to the Trump administration.” The statement underscores the growing pressure on Waltz, who has faced mounting scrutiny for his actions both at home and abroad.

Calls for Accountability and Transparency in National Security

The use of personal email accounts for official communications has sparked a significant debate over accountability and transparency within the White House. Critics argue that such practices undermine the trust between the public and government officials, especially when it involves sensitive national security matters.

Democratic leaders have been vocal in their demand for a full investigation into Waltz’s use of personal email accounts, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability. “The use of personal email accounts for official business is a clear violation of security protocols and jeopardizes national security,” said a spokesperson for the Democratic party. “It is imperative that the White House address this issue swiftly and transparently.”

White House Response to the Scandal

Denial of Improper Gmail Use by Waltz

In response to the Washington Post’s report, the White House has denied that Waltz used Gmail improperly. A spokesperson for the National Security Council stated, “Waltz didn’t and wouldn’t send classified information on an open account. The reports are misleading and do not reflect the actual events and protocols in place.” This denial, however, has done little to quell the growing concern among lawmakers and the public about the security of sensitive government communications.

Trump’s Support for Waltz Despite Criticism

In the face of mounting criticism, President Trump has continued to support Waltz, defending his actions and dismissing the incident as a “glitch.” Trump’s unwavering support for Waltz highlights the complex political dynamics within the administration and the potential for further complications as the scandal continues to unfold.

Trump’s stance is noteworthy given the broader context of the Trump administration’s previous criticisms of Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server while serving as Secretary of State. The irony of the situation has not been lost on critics, who point to the contrasting standards applied in evaluating the actions of different political figures.

National Security Implications

Security Risks of Using Personal Email Accounts

The use of personal email accounts for government business poses significant risks to national security. According to cybersecurity experts, personal email accounts like Gmail lack the encryption and security measures necessary to protect sensitive information. Emails can be intercepted, hacked, or monitored, leading to potential breaches of classified information and leaks that could compromise national security.

This incident draws parallels with the Hillary Clinton email scandal. Clinton faced intense scrutiny for using a private email server during her tenure as Secretary of State, with critics arguing that her actions endangered national security. The Trump administration’s criticism of Clinton’s email practices during the 2016 campaign now seems hypocritical, given Waltz’s reported actions. The incident raises questions about the consistency of security standards and the integrity of national security policies.

Impact on National Security Decision-Making

The email scandal has significantly impacted the credibility of Waltz and the broader Trump administration. Waltz’s actions have raised doubts about his judgment and the administration’s commitment to maintaining robust security protocols. The use of personal email accounts undermines the trust placed in the White House’s ability to handle sensitive information securely.

Moreover, the scandal could have broader implications for national security decision-making. The trust issues stemming from this incident could hinder the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts, such as the ongoing negotiations with Ukraine over the minerals agreement. Waltz’s credibility is in question, which could affect his ability to lead and make informed decisions on behalf of the United States.

Former high-ranking officials have expressed concerns that the scandal could lead to a decline in the confidence of foreign governments in the Trump administration’s ability to manage sensitive information. This mistrust could complicate international relations and security cooperation efforts, potentially leading to a deterioration of diplomatic relationships critical to national security.