President Donald Trump has raised concerns over the security of Signal, the encrypted messaging platform at the center of a recent leak involving private communications among top officials. Speaking during a press event, Trump suggested that the app “could be defective,” casting doubt on its ability to safeguard sensitive discussions.
The comment comes in the wake of a political scandal involving leaked Signal group messages that reportedly touched on national security matters and internal strategy. The exposure of those messages has triggered investigations and heightened scrutiny of how encrypted communication tools are used by political figures and advisors.
Trump, who has defended those implicated in the group chat, shifted focus to the app itself, implying that the leak may have resulted from vulnerabilities within the platform rather than user misconduct. He did not offer technical details but stressed that secure communication tools must be trustworthy—especially for individuals handling sensitive information.
Tech experts have pushed back, stating that Signal’s encryption protocols are among the most secure available to the public. However, they acknowledged that no system is immune to user error, insider leaks, or device-level breaches.
Trump’s comments have reignited debate over the use of encrypted apps by government officials, with some calling for updated protocols to prevent misuse or unintentional exposure. The former president also called for a review of how messaging apps are approved for use within official capacities, emphasizing the need for absolute confidence in their reliability.
The broader investigation into the Signal leak remains active, with multiple figures facing scrutiny over their participation in the now-public chat. Whether the platform itself played a role in the breach remains unconfirmed.