Key Takeaways:
- National Security Adviser Mike Waltz exposed his Venmo friend list, revealing connections to Trump officials, journalists, and military officers.
- Experts warn this could pose serious national security risks, as foreign actors could exploit this information.
- Waltz and other officials, like White House chief of staff Susie Wiles, had their Venmo privacy settings changed only after being contacted by reporters.
A recent investigation has uncovered a startling security oversight involving top Trump administration officials. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz mistakenly left his Venmo friend list public, exposing hundreds of personal and professional connections. This includes high-profile individuals like journalists, military officers, lobbyists, and even other government officials.
What makes this situation even more concerning is that Waltz is the same official who recently made headlines for accidentally adding a journalist to a private group chat discussing sensitive war plans. Now, experts say this latest Venmo breach could pose serious risks to national security.
The Broader Implications
The Venmo account in question, linked to Waltz, listed 328 friends. Among them were prominent figures like Susie Wiles, the White House chief of staff, and Walker Barrett, a staffer on the National Security Council. Both Wiles and Barrett were also part of the controversial Signal group chat incident.
Security experts are sounding the alarm, saying this kind of carelessness could be exploited by foreign intelligence services or other malicious actors. For instance, knowing who a high-ranking official interacts with could help attackers create fake identities or manipulate individuals for espionage purposes.
“This kind of oversight is a counterintelligence nightmare,” said one former intelligence analyst. “It’s shocking that someone in such a sensitive position wouldn’t take basic steps to protect their privacy.”
A Pattern of Reckless Behavior
Waltz isn’t the only official caught in this security slip-up. Susie Wiles also had her Venmo friend list publicly accessible until reporters reached out for comment. Both Waltz and Wiles quickly changed their privacy settings after being contacted, but the damage may already be done.
This incident highlights what experts call a troubling trend among powerful government officials. Many seem to overlook basic security practices, even when handling sensitive information.
“National security starts with personal responsibility,” said a cybersecurity expert. “These officials are not just putting themselves at risk—they’re endangering the entire country.”
What Happens Next?
The White House has yet to comment on the situation, but this latest breach has raised questions about how seriously the administration takes cybersecurity. As more details come to light, one thing is clear: protecting sensitive information requires more than just advanced technology—it demands vigilance and common sense.