Former Army Intelligence Auditor Rep. Pat Ryan (D-N.Y.) lambasted ex-national security adviser Mike Waltz for his “brave neglect” regarding the US military, specifically criticizing his use of Signal group chats to disseminate information about the attack.
Ryan appeared on CNN on Thursday, shortly after the announcement of Waltz’s dismissal from his national security role.
The news of Waltz’s removal surfaced following a cabinet meeting where Reuters photographers reported that he was using Signal to chat with several senior officials, including Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Vice President Vance, among others.
“It’s clear he feels no accountability for anything serious, and while it hasn’t resulted in fatalities, it certainly could have, and there was potential leakage of sensitive details,” Ryan stated.
“Without consequences, he continually doubles down on the poor security of his operations. Most importantly, our servicemen and women are at risk due to his numerous errors while being allowed to continue,” he further explained.
Waltz faced sharp criticism after it was disclosed that he mistakenly included the Atlantic editor-in-chief in a group chat discussing an attack on the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The revelation sent shockwaves through Washington, especially since this discussion occurred via Signal, a non-governmental application.
Upon hearing the news, Ryan expressed hope that Waltz would not remain as Trump’s national security adviser and that the administration would hold him accountable for the Signal controversy.
“Hours later, we learned that he was being promoted to a different position,” Ryan remarked regarding Waltz’s transition. “It’s a $16 million taxpayer-funded luxury apartment in New York City.”
“Based on this, I don’t believe there’s any accountability,” Ryan concluded.
Later that Thursday, Trump announced that Waltz would be appointed as his next UN ambassador, following the drawn-out nomination of Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-N.Y.) due to the slim GOP majority in the House. Waltz will face a challenging confirmation process in the Senate, and many Democrats have indicated they will question him about the Signal chat scandal.
