Trump Intelligence Chiefs Testify Before Senate After War Plan Leak

March 25, 2025 | Washington, D.C. –  In a highly anticipated hearing, top Trump administration intelligence officials are testifying before the Senate Intelligence Committee today, just one day after a stunning revelation that war plans for a U.S. strike on Yemen were accidentally shared with a journalist via a Signal chat.

You can watch the hearing live in the player above as officials face questions not only about nationwide security threats, but also about the communications breach involving senior Trump officials.

Who Is Testifying?

• Kash Patel – FBI Director

• John Ratcliffe – CIA Director

• Tulsi Gabbard – Director of National Intelligence (DNI)

The same officials are also scheduled to testify before the House Intelligence Committee tomorrow in back-to-back sessions that mark their first major public appearances since being sworn into their respective roles under the Trump administration’s second term.

Background: War Plans Leak via Signal App

The hearing comes just one day after The Atlantic reported that its editor-in-chief, Jeffrey Goldberg, was inadvertently added to a secure Signal chat titled “Houthi PC small group.” The chat included top officials such as Vice President JD Vance, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and the three intelligence chiefs testifying today.

The thread included real-time discussions on a March 15 military strike against Houthi rebels in Yemen, leading to bipartisan concerns over operational security lapses.

President Donald Trump has since defended his national security advisor Michael Waltz, calling the incident a “lesson learned” and attributing the mistake to a lower-level staff error.

What the Hearings Will Cover

These annual Worldwide Threats hearings are traditionally focused on the U.S. government’s assessment of major global and domestic risks. However, today’s session is expected to be dominated by:

• The Signal chat leak and how it occurred

• The potential national security risks involved

• Oversight of secure communications protocols

• The administration’s revised threat priorities:

  • Combating fentanyl trafficking

  • Fighting violent crime and human trafficking

  • Countering illegal immigration

  • Renewed emphasis on narco-terrorism

Shift in Foreign Policy Focus

This hearing also takes place amid a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy toward Russia. Just last week, President Trump held a direct call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, securing what the White House called a pause in Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure. The administration hailed it as the first step toward peace, marking a stark departure from the Biden-era sanctions and pressure campaign.

What to Expect Next

Today’s hearing is likely to spark sharp exchanges between lawmakers and intelligence leaders, particularly regarding:

• The integrity of classified communication

• The Trump administration’s approach to security leaks

• The balance between combating domestic threats and maintaining international vigilance

Both Democrats and Republicans are expected to press for internal accountability and stronger safeguards on digital platforms used by federal officials.

Stay tuned for live updates and expert analysis following the testimony.