Signal Chat, an encrypted messaging application, has undergone significant transformations since its inception, evolving from a niche privacy tool to a widely adopted communication platform. This article examines Signal’s historical development, recent feature enhancements, and the security implications arising from its increased usage, particularly within governmental contexts. In addition, it presents a detailed transcript of internal coordination communications related to sensitive national security operations.
Introduction
In an era where digital privacy is paramount, Signal has emerged as a leading application offering end-to-end encrypted communication. Founded by Moxie Marlinspike, Signal’s commitment to user privacy has attracted a diverse user base, including journalists, activists, and government officials. Its open-source nature and robust encryption protocols have positioned it as a preferred choice for secure messaging.
Recent Feature Enhancements
Signal has introduced several notable features to enhance user experience and security:
- Desktop Voice and Video Calls:
In February 2025, Signal’s desktop application received an update supporting one-to-one voice and video calls, extending secure communication capabilities beyond mobile devices. (signal.org) - Data Usage Controls:
A new “Data Usage” feature allows users to manage automatic downloads of media files, optimizing storage and bandwidth usage. (github.com) - Username Implementation:
In February 2024, Signal introduced a username feature, enabling users to communicate without sharing phone numbers, thereby enhancing privacy. (en.wikipedia.org)
Security Incidents and Implications
Despite its robust security framework, Signal has been at the center of several incidents:
The ‘SignalGate’ Scandal and Government Use of Signal
One of the most significant security incidents involving Signal occurred in March 2025, when a private group chat—created by National Security Adviser Michael Waltz—was exposed. This chat, which included high-ranking U.S. government officials, inadvertently added a journalist, leading to a major security breach and a surge in Signal downloads. (wired.com)
The chat reportedly included the following individuals:
- Vice President Vance
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth
- C.I.A. Director John Ratcliffe
- “MAR” – the initials of Secretary of State Marco Rubio
- “TG” – the initials of Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard
- “Scott B” – appearing to be Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- “S M” – the initials of White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller
- Susie Wiles – White House Chief of Staff
- Steve Witkoff – Special Envoy to the Middle East and Russia
This incident highlights the inherent risks of using private messaging platforms for sensitive government communications, where even minor errors (e.g., unintended recipients) can result in significant breaches.
Detailed Transcript of Coordination Messages
In addition to the overview above, the following is the full transcript of internal coordination communications regarding operations on the Houthis, as published by The Atlantic:
Michael Waltz
Team – establishing a principles group for coordination on Houthis, particularly for over the next 72 hours. My deputy Alex Wong is pulling together a tiger team at deputies/agency Chief of Staff level following up from the meeting in the Sit Room this morning for action items and will be sending that out later this evening.
Pls provide the best staff POC from your team for us to coordinate with over the next couple days and over the weekend. Thx.
, MAR
Mike Needham for State
4:29 p.m., JD Vance
Andy baker for VP
4:29 p.m., TG
Joe Kent for DNI
4:30 p.m., Scott B
Dan Katz for Treasury
4:39 p.m., Pete Hegseth
Dan Caldwell for DoD
4:53 p.m., John Ratcliffe
[Content of message not published by The Atlantic]
5:24 p.m., Brian
Brian McCormack for NSC
6:34 p.m., Michael Waltz
Team, you should have a statement of conclusions with taskings per the Presidents guidance this morning in your high side inboxes.
State and DOD, we developed suggested notification lists for regional Allies and partners.
Joint Staff is sending this am a more specific sequence of events in the coming days and we will work w DOD to ensure COS, OVP and POTUS are briefed.
8:05 a.m., JD Vance
Team, I am out for the day doing an economic event in Michigan. But I think we are making a mistake.
3 percent of US trade runs through the suez. 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.
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.
8:16 a.m.
1 Mr. Vance, a military veteran who was in Michigan touring a plastics manufacturing plant on March 14, has very consistently been skeptical of the U.S. being drawn into foreign conflicts. The point he makes here — in favor of holding off on a strike, and in the meantime convincing the public why one is necessary — is in keeping with his approach.
—Maggie Haberman
2 Mr. Vance, who has faced criticism for turning from a Trump critic to a loyalist, attempted to clean up the revelation that he questioned the president’s judgment in a large group setting after excerpts of the chat became public. In a statement, his spokesman said that “Vice President Vance unequivocally supports this administration’s foreign policy.”
“The president and the vice president have had subsequent conversations about this matter and are in complete agreement,” the statement said.
—Erica L. Green
New
Joe Kent
There is nothing time sensitive driving the time line. We’ll have the exact same options in a month.
The Israelis will likely take strikes & therefore ask us for more to replenish whatever they use against the Houthis. But that’s a minor factor.
I will send you the unclass data we pulled on BAM shipping.
8:22 a.m., John Ratcliffe
From CIA perspective, we are mobilizing assets to support now but a delay would not negatively impact us and additional time would be used to identify better starting points for coverage on Houthi leadership
8:26 a.m., Pete Hegseth
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.
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. I welcome other thoughts.
8:27 a.m., Michael Waltz
The trade figures we have are 15% of global and 30% of container. It’s difficult to break that down to US. Specific because much of the container either going through the red sea still or around the Cape of Good Hope our component going to Europe that turns into manufactured goods for transatlantic trade to the United States.
Whether we pull the plug or not today European navies do not have the capability to defend against the types of sophisticated, antiship, cruise missiles, and drones the Houthis are now using. So whether it’s now or several weeks from now, it will have to be the United States that reopens these shipping lanes. Per the president’s request we are working with DOD and State to determine how to compile the cost associated and levy them on the Europeans.
8:32 a.m.
Prominent Signal Users
Due to Signal’s commitment to privacy, a complete list of users is unavailable. However, several high-profile individuals have publicly endorsed or admitted to using Signal:
- Edward Snowden – The whistleblower has frequently advocated for Signal due to its robust encryption.
- Elon Musk – The Tesla and SpaceX CEO has publicly recommended Signal, contributing to its surge in downloads.
- Sanna Marin – The former Prime Minister of Finland used Signal for official communications.
- U.S. Government Officials – Members of the Trump administration reportedly utilized Signal for classified discussions.
Discussion
Signal’s evolution reflects a growing societal emphasis on digital privacy. Its continuous feature enhancements demonstrate a commitment to secure communication, while incidents like ‘SignalGate’ and the detailed internal coordination on Houthi operations reveal the complex challenges of using private messaging platforms for governmental purposes. The verbatim transcript illustrates the high-stakes nature of such communications and the balancing act between rapid action and strategic deliberation.
Conclusion
Signal remains a pivotal player in the realm of secure communication, continually adapting to meet evolving user needs and address emerging threats. While its technological advancements bolster privacy, ongoing vigilance and careful coordination among governmental entities are essential to mitigate risks in high-stakes operational environments.
References
- Signal Ascends From Hacker Passion Project to Washington’s Top Messaging App. (wsj.com)
- SignalGate Is Driving the Most US Downloads of Signal Ever. (wired.com)
- Gabbard says Signal comes ‘pre-installed’ on government devices. (politico.com)
- A Signal Update Fends Off a Phishing Technique Used in Russian Espionage. (wired.com)
- Signal Blog: Desktop Voice and Video Calls. (signal.org)
- Signal Desktop Releases. (github.com)
- Signal (software) – Wikipedia. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Why Would Someone Use Signal? (marketwatch.com)
- Signal is the Number One Downloaded App in the Netherlands. (techcrunch.com)
- Coordination Transcript Published by The Atlantic.
By: Donte Nelson
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The Neoliberal Journals is a Digital Magazine published by The NeoLiberal Corporation
