The MeidasTouch Podcast Summary

Episode: Ambassador Susan Rice Responds to “Signal-Gate”
Release Date: March 30, 2025
Host: Ben Meiselas
Guest: Ambassador Susan Rice, former Ambassador to the United Nations and former National Security Advisor

1. Introduction

In this episode, Ben Meiselas welcomes Ambassador Susan Rice to discuss the controversial “Signal-Gate” incident involving inappropriate use of the Signal chat application for sensitive national security communications during the Trump administration. The conversation delves into the implications of this breach, the handling of classified information, and the broader impact on U.S. alliances.

2. The Signal-Gate Incident Overview

Ben: Introduces the topic by referencing Tulsi Gabbard's statement during a Senate hearing, where she claimed that no classified materials were shared in the contentious text messages related to war plans.

Ambassador Rice: Responds by vehemently disagreeing with Gabbard’s assertion.

“It's laughable. Let me explain why I say that, Ben.” [03:58]

Rice emphasizes that any meeting involving National Security Council principals is inherently classified, regardless of the platform used.

3. Analysis of Tulsi Gabbard’s Statement

Ambassador Rice: Criticizes Gabbard's claim that no classified information was shared, highlighting the nature of the discussions that inherently contain sensitive information.

“Tulsi Gabbard is either lying or being deliberately evasive by trying to say no intelligence material was shared.” [04:56]

She explains that the meeting's content, including military plans and operational details, should unequivocally be classified.

4. Classification of National Security Communications

Rice details the protocols for handling classified information within the National Security Council.

• Secure Locations: Meetings typically occur in the White House Situation Room, a highly secure facility where personal devices are prohibited to prevent unauthorized access.

“We conduct meetings of the national security principals and deputies in the situation room precisely so that we have that kind of secure bubble that can't be infiltrated by our adversaries.” [06:22]

• Secure Communication Tools: National security officials are equipped with secure phones, videos, and document handling systems to maintain the confidentiality of discussions.

5. Risks of Using Signal Chat for Sensitive Discussions

Ambassador Rice: Highlights the vulnerabilities associated with using Signal chat for classified communications.

“Having a Principals Committee meeting by text on a signal chain is incredibly reckless and dangerous.” [09:16]

She explains that personal phones are susceptible to hacking, potentially exposing sensitive information to adversaries like Russia.

6. Potential Legal Implications

Ben: Asks whether the actions surrounding Signal-Gate could constitute criminal violations of the Espionage Act.

Ambassador Rice: While not a lawyer, she references legal experts' opinions.

“Those that are lawyers and who have spoken on this have said this could well be a violation of the Espionage Act or set a series of violations.” [11:35]

She also mentions potential breaches of the Presidential Records Act due to the mishandling of official communications.

7. Trump Administration’s Approach to Allies

Ben: Shifts the discussion to the broader pattern of the Trump administration undermining U.S. alliances, including actions against Canada, Greenland, Panama, and Ukraine.

Ambassador Rice: Provides a comprehensive critique of the administration’s foreign policy stance.

“There is an extraordinary pattern here in the Trump administration of the United States taking actions and decisions that directly harm our closest allies.” [14:02]

She outlines various detrimental actions, such as imposing tariffs, threatening Canadian and Greenland sovereignty, and withdrawing support from Ukraine, leading to fractured international relationships and increased alignment with adversaries like Russia and China.

8. Public Perception and Poll Results

Ben: References a recent poll indicating that 74% of Americans view the Signal-Gate incident as a very serious issue, with only 8% dismissing its seriousness.

This statistic underscores the public's concern over the mishandling of classified information and its implications for national security.

9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Ambassador Rice: Concludes by questioning the motives behind the administration's reckless handling of national security, emphasizing the long-term risks to U.S. safety and global standing.

“We are casting our lot with autocrats like Putin and Xi who don't share our values, don't share our interests...” [16:02]

She calls for accountability and a return to secure, responsible management of national security communications to restore trust and alliances.

Ben: Thanks Ambassador Rice for her insights and expresses hope for future discussions to navigate these challenging times.

“Ambassador Rice, it's an honor to have you on first time on the Midas Touch Network...” [17:19]

Key Takeaways

• Security Protocol Breach: The use of Signal chat for National Security Council communications poses significant risks of classified information exposure.

• Legal Ramifications: Potential violations of the Espionage Act and the Presidential Records Act highlight the severity of the mishandling.

• Impact on Alliances: The Trump administration's actions have strained relationships with key allies, weakening global U.S. standing.

• Public Concern: A majority of Americans view the Signal-Gate incident as highly serious, reflecting widespread anxiety over national security integrity.

Notable Quotes

• “It's laughable. Let me explain why I say that, Ben.” [03:58]

• “Having a Principals Committee meeting by text on a signal chain is incredibly reckless and dangerous.” [09:16]

• “There is an extraordinary pattern here in the Trump administration of the United States taking actions and decisions that directly harm our closest allies.” [14:02]

• “We are casting our lot with autocrats like Putin and Xi who don't share our values, don't share our interests...” [16:02]

This episode provides a critical examination of the mishandling of classified communications within the Trump administration and its broader implications for national security and international alliances. Ambassador Susan Rice offers expert insights into the dangers of such security lapses and underscores the urgent need for accountability and adherence to established protocols to protect U.S. interests globally.