Exposed Venmo Data Threatens National Security for Trump Officials

Recent reports revealed that Venmo accounts of several Trump administration officials, including National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, were publicly accessible, exposing their contacts and transaction histories. This data leak, which included officials tied to sensitive discussions about military operations in Yemen, raises significant counterintelligence concerns, as foreign entities could exploit these connections. Among the officials affected were Dan Katz, chief of staff at the Treasury, and Joe Kent, nominee for the National Counterterrorism Center, both of whom participated in a group chat discussing sensitive military plans. The exposure of Waltz's Venmo account, which listed over 300 contacts, was especially alarming, as it included various influential figures and could potentially jeopardize national security. Following inquiries, several officials, including Waltz, adjusted their privacy settings to protect personal information. Critics argue that this incident highlights vulnerabilities in the security practices of high-ranking officials.