Fox News commentator Brit Hume faced intense backlash from the MAGA crowd after pushing back on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s claim that no one was texting war plans. The controversy erupted when it was revealed that Hegseth and other Trump administration officials had mistakenly included Jeffrey Goldberg, editor-in-chief of The Atlantic, in a text chain discussing plans for an attack on Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Hegseth, speaking outside a plane in Hawaii, denied the claims, saying, “Nobody was texting war plans, and that’s all I have to say about that.” He also lashed out at Goldberg, calling him “a deceitful and highly discredited, so-called journalist who’s made a profession of peddling hoaxes time and time again.”
In response, Hume shared Hegseth’s remarks on social media, but added, “Oh for God’s sake, the administration has already confirmed the authenticity of the message.”
Hume’s comment sparked fury among MAGA supporters, who quickly took to social media to criticize him.
One user, @Brian_4848, fired back: “Brit… you’re part of the Russia, Russia, Russia, call Arizona at 3pm in the afternoon crowd… I’d sit this one out if I was you.”
Another user, disappointed by Hume’s stance, said, “Really, Brit? You are such a disappointment.”
Others, like @jacktronprime, demanded proof: “Oh really? Show me the statement, and don’t just post from Jennifer who hates Pete Hegseth.”
Mollie Hemingway responded sharply, questioning Hume’s credibility: “Did they confirm his description of the message? He’s a NOTORIOUSLY unreliable propagandist (see: WMD, Russia collusion, and the Aisne-Marne hoax, which was refuted by dozens of on-record sources).”
Marion Bethea was blunt: “YOU calling Hegseth a liar??”
User Chris Bassett told Hume to think more carefully: “Like they’re going to play such a situation straight. Think tactically. For once.”
Kathy Ultra MAGA added: “Hey Brit, what exactly was confirmed? This is ridiculous.”
Roy Franklin also hit back at Hume: “You’re not supposed to take the Lord’s name in vain. What is your problem anyway? Just trying to stay relevant?”
Another user, @MizDonna69, expressed disbelief: “What ‘War Plans’ were sent to Goldberg? NONE that we have seen. Why in the WORLD do you believe what Goldberg ‘says’? He is a proven liar.”
@SamNobley joined in, stating simply, “It wasn’t war plans, Brit.”
And one user summed up the frustration with a harsh comment: “Brit, stop trying to be important. No one wants your opinion.”
Goldberg, in his article, detailed how he was accidentally added to a Signal chat filled with high-level national security officials discussing plans for an attack on the Houthis. Some of the notable participants included National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe. Key Trump figures, such as White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and adviser Stephen Miller, were also involved.
Goldberg reached out to Brian Hughes, a spokesperson for the National Security Council, who confirmed the authenticity of the message chain and explained that they were looking into how Goldberg was mistakenly added.
The scandal has sparked a wave of criticism from Democrats, while some Republicans are calling for an investigation. However, many are stopping short of demanding action against the officials involved.
In a show of support for Hegseth, the Trump White House released a statement reaffirming their confidence in his national security team. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt declared, “Trump continues to have the utmost confidence in his national security team, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.”
Meanwhile, on Fox News, anchor John Roberts praised Goldberg for his handling of the situation, stating, “I would think that there are probably worse people that you could text your secret plans to. But it appears Goldberg has acted responsibly here in writing this article.”
Check out Hegseth’s remarks and a screenshot of Brit Hume’s response below:
. @SecDef response to the @TheAtlantic article….
“You’re talking about a deceitful and highly discredited “so-called journalist” pic.twitter.com/pLtcUF4ZtN
— DOD Rapid Response (@DODResponse) March 24, 2025
