BREAKING: Gmail Use at NSC?!?

National Security Advisor Michael Waltz’s staff is under fire after reports surfaced of personal Gmail use for official government business, raising concerns about security compliance and record-keeping.

AT A GLANCE

• NSA Michael Waltz’s staff allegedly used personal Gmail for sensitive communications
• NSC confirmed no classified information was shared via these channels
• Waltz says he cc’d government accounts to maintain compliance
• A journalist was mistakenly included in a Signal chat on military affairs
• President Trump defended Waltz, blaming tech flaws—not misconduct

Personal Gmail Use Sparks Security Scrutiny

A report by the Washington Post has stirred controversy after alleging that National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and his team used personal Gmail accounts for official communications, some reportedly involving military matters. The National Security Council (NSC) confirmed that while Gmail was used, no classified information was transmitted through these non-government platforms.

According to NSC spokesperson Brian Hughes, Waltz “received emails and calendar invites from legacy contacts on his personal email and cc’d government accounts for anything since January 20th to ensure compliance with records retention.” Hughes further clarified that “he has never sent classified material over his personal email account or any unsecured platform,” as reported by Fox News.

The incident has drawn increased attention to how modern communications are managed within national security contexts. The NSC emphasized its policy that all classified communications must occur strictly through secured channels and highlighted its commitment to transparency and proper documentation procedures.

Watch coverage of the NSC email controversy.

NSC and Trump Respond to Allegations

While the NSC acknowledged the Gmail use, it pushed back against implications of misconduct. Officials claimed that the Washington Post failed to provide concrete documentation to support its claims of mishandling sensitive information. Nonetheless, the council reiterated its expectations for secure communication and record retention.

Waltz’s case isn’t isolated in the evolving digital landscape of government communication. Compounding the issue, a journalist was inadvertently added to a Signal group chat where military operations were discussed—an incident described internally as “embarrassing,” according to reporting shared by journalist Mario Nawfal.

President Donald Trump publicly defended Waltz, attributing the incident to the limitations of communication technology. “I don’t think he should apologize,” Trump said, as quoted by Fox News. “I think he’s doing his best. It’s equipment and technology that’s not perfect.”

Balancing Technology and National Security

The episode has ignited a broader conversation about how evolving technology interfaces with national security imperatives. The blurred lines between personal and professional digital platforms raise challenges for officials managing real-time crises and information flow.

While the NSC has made clear that no classified information was compromised, the optics of using personal email and accidental exposure through apps like Signal have alarmed critics and renewed calls for stronger digital protocols in sensitive government operations.

Security experts stress that even non-classified communications, when handled improperly, can undermine operational secrecy and public trust. Moving forward, increased oversight and training may be necessary to ensure that all government personnel adhere to secure communication protocols without exception.