Senator Mark Warner warned that the use of Signal by Trump officials could weaken trust among U.S. intelligence officers, potentially aiding China’s efforts to recruit them. He addressed key intelligence leaders about the risks posed to national security and emphasized that adversarial governments seek to exploit gaps created by recent actions.
Senator Mark Warner, the vice chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed concerns regarding the implications of officials from the Trump administration using Signal for sensitive communications. He suggested that this practice contributes to a dangerous erosion of trust among intelligence personnel, thereby facilitating recruitment efforts by nations such as China and Russia.
During a recent hearing, Warner interrogated prominent intelligence leaders, including CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, cautioning against an emerging trend that compromises America’s security. He emphasized that the pattern of behavior demonstrated by the administration could ultimately jeopardize national safety.
Furthermore, reports indicated that discussions on Signal shared critical operational details concerning impending military actions against Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. Warner highlighted that
Chinese intelligence agencies are actively attempting to recruit individuals with national security clearance who have been dismissed from their positions, appealing to them via social media platforms.
The discussion underscored the necessity for fortified trust among U.S. intelligence officials to mitigate recruitment efforts by adversarial nations. Senator Warner’s remarks illustrate significant concerns surrounding security protocols and highlight the need for reassessment of communication practices among top officials.
Original Source: www.scmp.com
