1. United States
2. Ariz.
3. Letter

Top national security officials prioritizing political objectives over adherence to security protocols is unacceptable and erodes public trust. The revelations about Hegseth, Waltz, and others using an unsecured Signal group chat to discuss classified military operations, inadvertently including a journalist, constitute a severe breach. Their actions jeopardized operational security, potentially compromising mission success and putting lives at risk. Officials at this level have a duty to uphold the highest standards of information security. Failure to follow basic security hygiene indicates either negligence or incompetence. Allowing such lapses sets a dangerous precedent that could enable adversaries to exploit vulnerabilities. For the integrity of national defense and accountability, these officials should face appropriate consequences, potentially including dismissal, as such negligence is intolerable in positions of immense responsibility overseeing classified operations. Public service demands a commitment to rigorous safeguards when handling sensitive information impacting national security.